Paternostro raring to go

Leicester coach Rob Paternostro is relishing his side’s return to action, but knows it will be tough against Worcester.

The Riders have had a couple of weekends off, which has seen them fall behind at the top of the BBL table, but they have the games in hand to wrestle back in to the title chase.

Worcester did their own title hopes no harm with a sensational on-the-road win at Newcastle, which leaves them finely poised in second place.

Paternostro said: “After the long break we are looking forward to getting back on the floor and competing again. This will be our fifth league road game out of seven played and if you can get results on the road it can put you in a good position for the league.

“Worcester are playing great basketball, they have a nice mix and you can see that they are a team that likes to play together. Paul James knows how to get guys ready for a BBL season and you can see by watching them that confidence is high right now.”

Riders’ last game came in mid-December and saw a convincing win against Durham Wildcats, and Paternostro was pleased with their display:

“In the game against Durham we wanted to get out in front of them early and we did. We built a big lead in the first half and from then on we were in control, which enabled us to play ten guys 15 minutes or more.

“I thought Brett Royster did a good job of commanding the paint, it is important that we have good interior play. Ayron Hardy was as good as ever. He just keeps improving every day, he is a special player who has had a great start to his pro career. I like the way Jamell Anderson played, he has given us some very good minutes this year and I am expecting him to be a factor for us as the season goes on.”