Griffin returns for Leicester

Leicester have received a boost ahead of their BBL Trophy clash against London Leopards with the news that John Griffin has returned from injury.

Griffin, 25, suffered a fracture of the thumb in pre-season before playing a game for the club and has since spent seven weeks in rehabilitation following surgery in Philadelphia.

He flew back to the UK on Thursday to link back up with the Riders.

Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro said: “John has had a very hard time of it, with these injuries, but he has worked very hard and is back to fitness. What we don’t know is how long it will take for him to get his match sharpness, but we have stayed in touch throughout the rehabilitation, and he remains very keen to make his mark in the BBL.

“We know he has an outstanding pedigree, so it should be just a matter of time. It will be good to finally get John in a Rider’s vest soon.”

The shooting guard hasn’t played for 18 months due to an ACL injury, and he spent last season with the back room staff at Indiana Pacers in the NBA.

He is available to play in the BBL Trophy tonight, and in Sunday’s crunch BBL Cup quarter-final against Cheshire Jets.