www.ridersballonline.com | The Independent Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders website

One on One with...........

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders 6'10 Centre, Tommy Swanson...........

1, Welcome to Leicester, Tommy. How are you finding things so far?

I'm finding my way around pretty well so far. I really enjoy walking around the City Centre and seeing all the shops and unique restaurants. I've also walked through Burleigh College as well. It's a beautiful campus and the students seem very lively.

2, How do you feel the team is progressing?

The entire team is a little frustrated with the turn out of the previous two games where we lost control of the game in the closing minutes. We all put so much effort in our practice sessions each day but we understand that the tough losses will only make us stronger and hungrier for a victory.

3, How would you compare the standard of ball here in England compared to back home?

I'm a little shocked that not everyone is familiar with the sport. Soccer (football) is the dominant sport out here and it's evident with all the soccer jerseys that's worn by many kids which is interesting. It's a two way street because I hope to learn more about the game of football while hopefully we can draw more fans to the sport of basketball.

4, What has been your impression of the opponents you have played against to date?

The teams that we play so far are intense and are just as passionate about winning. I still haven't found a coaching staff that's as passionate about winning as our coaches though.

5, Both losses so far have been real close games, do you think these defeats will help bring the team together as a unit?

The great thing about our team is that no one blames one another for losses. We all seem to be our biggest critics and we each maintain a high level of accountability. Our main focus is to play within ourselves and just have fun.... everything else should fall in place from there because we're talented enough to win games.

6, How are you finding the refereeing in the BBL?

Still adjusting to the refereeing. I just try to ask questions on how to improve the behavior so that our team doesn't continue to be penalized for my actions on the floor ... (traveling, fouls. goaltending, etc) I was very grateful that the referees came to our last practice before our first game to inform the team of rule changes and keeping us abreast of specific infractions they'll key on for the upcoming season.

7, How would you describe Coach Paternostro's style?

Coach Paternostro is an extremely energetic and passionate teacher who expects a lot from his players. He is easy to speak with and allowing open discussion amongst the team regarding strategy or player personnel. I really enjoy playing for him.

8, What can the fans expect to see from Tommy Swanson over the course of the season?

They can expect me to play hard and with passion each night. I really enjoy our team because we're all unselfish players, sometimes to a fault. But I love to sometimes be a spark for our team on either end of the court to get the team going. Phil Missere, Roderick Wellington, and Lataryl Williams have done a magnificent job in being vocal leaders for our team both in practice and games

9, How are you finding your new team mates? There seems to be a good mix of BBL rookies and veterans alike?

Yes... we do have a great mixture of vets and rookies on the team. Roderick, Barry Lamble, and MD have played a huge role in preparing the rookies for the season and have advised us on the lifestyle and got us acquainted with the city sites once we first arrived

10, How far do you think this team can go?

The sky is the limit for our team.

Thanks for your time, Tommy, and good luck in the Cup this weekend against Worthing Thunder and for the rest of the season.

One on One with................

The new Head Coach of the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders, Rob Paternostro.........................

Q1 - Hi Rob and welcome back to Leicester, how much are you looking forward to pacing the sidelines as Head Coach of the Riders?

Thanks. Its great to be back in Leicester ....its very exciting right now, but there is a lot of work to be done. I'm looking forward to seeing the fans again, I found a lot of them to be very knowledgeable about the game of basketball.

Q2- What type of player will you be looking to recruit?

I'm looking for ALL kinds! Every position. All sizes and shapes, rookies ,veterans. There are so many players out there that I wouldnt be doing my job if I wasn't looking at a bunch of different types of players.

Q3 - Will you be retaining any of last season's team or are you going with a "clean sheet of paper" approach?

I would think that there will be a lot of new players, but there are a few from last year that I have spoken with. We'll see..

Q4 - A lot of Riders fans would love to see Terrance McGee back in a Riders uniform, what are the chances of this happening?

Terrance McGee is not only a good basketball player but also a good person. I enjoyed being his teammate and in the right situation he would be welcomed on my team.

Q5 - Will you be registering yourself to play should any injuries occur?

I would hope that I wouldn't have to think about doing that! In an emergency situation I guess it would be considered....never say never.... but like i've said from the beginning, I am the Coach of the Leicester Riders and looking forward to building my team with that in mind.

Q6 -What sort of team can the Riders fans expect to see out on the floor?

Well I guess we will have to wait and see what players I can sign but I would like to see a team that is athletic and in good physical condition who play hard at both ends of the floor

Q7 - Are you looking to enlist an assistant coach?

Not at the moment..my 6 year old son Lucas thinks he is......... but i'm interested in talking to a few different people, it would be nice to have someone alongside me on the bench.

Q8 How do you think the BBL refs will handle you being in their ears for the full 40 minutes.........??!!

I think the referees and I will be fine. I have a good relationship with a lot of these guys. i've been around for a while now so over the years I have gotten to know the refs pretty well. I don't plan in being in their ears a lot at all, of course there will be times where I will disagree with a call but for the most part you just have to let them get on with their job.

www.ridersballonline.com would like to thank Rob for taking time out to assist with this interview, and wishes Rob and the team all the best for a competitive season ahead.

One on One with................

Former Riders scoring machine and holder of the most appearances for the club, Gene "The Machine" Waldron.

As older fans of the team will know, Gene was a mainstay in Leicester between 1984 through until 1998 [with the odd small break in between[!]..........] Gene was a tremendous scorer and fan favourite and regularly led the scoring on every team he played on, here are a few stats from Mr Leicester's UK career.......

5,290 points in 274 games

19.81ppg

15th overall in top BBL scorers list [5,290]

25th overall in steals [531]

25th overall in FG made [1,871]

11th overall in most 3ptFG made [537]

16th overall in FT made [1,011]

So, those are the numbers, here are the thoughts of the man himself as he answers a few questions about life in a Riders vest......

So, over to you, Gene............

Q1 - How did you leave Syracuse and end up in Leicester all those years ago?

Syracuse has always sent players to Leicester. I was also told by past players that it was a great city

Q2 - What other offfers did you have upon leaving college?

Funny enough -- not many!

Q3 - What were your first impressions of the Granby Halls?

My first impression was that it was quite small. I was used to playing in front of crowds of 20,000 - 30,000 people

Q4 - You played under a lot of different coaches for Riders, who was the best in your opinion?

Strategy and knowledge of the game Bob Donewald but person Bob Dixon

Q5 - Who would you rate as the best Riders player you played alongside?

Karl Brown and Dan Meagher

Q6 - Many opposing teams paid special attention to try and keep you quiet offensively. who gave you the most problems?

Maybe Thames Valley but I was truly unstoppable (not to be cocky) [Michael Hayles tried and failed on many occasions - Ed]

Q7 - Which Riders game would be your most memorable?

Thames Valley cup final. Really wanted that game for Kevin and the city

Q8 - Which Riders point guard got the ball to you the best and with whom did you have the best back court partnership with?

Karl Brown - he always knew where I was on the floor

Q9 - I'm convinced that Riders would have beaten Thames Valley in that fateful Cup Final had you not suffered your serious injury, would you agree?

This is still very difficult for me to discuss...we were so near, but yes, I think as a team we would have won. That was a sad day for me and Leicester

And finally..............

Did you really sign for Derby?

Yes it was one of the biggest mistakes I made....in the end they cut me and only won maybe three games that season....what a joke!!!

Just wanted to add........Kevin Routledge to me was a great friend. He was always there for me and I will never ever forget that!!!

My thanks go to Jeanne Roloff for the help and assistance in putting this Q+A together, it turns out that Gene "doesn't do e-mails very often" so this was a bit of a scoop!

Also thanks to Gene for his time and thoughts and for all the years of fantastic entertainment he laid on at the Granby, a true Riders legend.

One on One with........

ex Riders coach Bob Donewald Jr........................................

Bob became Riders head coach in 1996 and had two seasons in the Granby hot seat, here you can find out what he thought of the club, the league, refeerees[!] and various other topics.......

Take it away, Bob.....

Bob back then....

and Bob in 2007....

Q1 - How did the Leicester job come about?

BD - Back in 1993-94 i was working with the New Jersey Nets for Willis Reed who was GM of the club back then. After working with him i went into college coaching for two seasons. I was really itching to become a Head Coach and try my own program but i was probably too young and needed to put in my time. However, one day talking with Willis he told me that the guy working for him then [who replaced me] had a contact in England and a team who were looking to bring in a young, American Head Coach. I really struggled with the decision to leave America at first.... but looking back i really am glad that i did. Kevin Routledge and i had our ups and downs but looking back i am a much better coach and very appreciative now because he gave me the ooportunity to come to Leicester and lead the Riders.

Q2 - What were your first impressions of the BBL as a league?

BD - My first impressions of the league was I was impressed with the competition. Remember my first year was the first year they allowed 5 americans for each team. This brought an opportunity for the teams that had lost alot in the past to quickly turn things around. I also remember the vast difference in the so called money clubs and the so called smaller clubs. Whenever we went to play a bigger club- hell some guys on those teams were making more than my entire roster- I really wanted to win. We used this to our advantage alot of times with our players as we were NOT going to be perceived as small just because we were not getting paid. We fought for everything we had and knew the way to get respect was to beat those teams.

Q3 - Leon McGee, Nate Reinking and Justin Phoenix were three great signings in your first season, how far could that squad have gone without all the injuries you had that season?

BD- The injuries that year were what they were. That team of mine was a proud bunch and we hated reading and hearing other coaches complain about injuries....every week the other coaches would complain and cry....we took the approach that we would never use them as an excuse. I remember guys looking at a teamate that was out and saying...OK lets all chip in and make up for his assists, points, and rebounds....The playoffs was all we cared about. I knew if I could get that young group to taste the playoffs in year one then I could get them to a final in year two.

Q4 - Can you reveal the circumstances that led to Leon McGee sitting out the Semi Final against Chester?

BD - Leon and I were both from Western Michigan and both agreed on how the game should be played. But this was Leons first time playing outside of college and looking at some of the other teams and players and seeing what they had sometimes took its toll on Leon. When he was focused and ready I thought he was one of the best in the league, however early on he realized he was under paid and it would bother him. Sitting out that game I think really focused him in on his job as a pro. I think from then on he took nothing for granted and really grew up. I sure do remember him having some great moments and leading us to victory.

Q5 - Were you surprised at how Andy Betts developed and made a succesful career in Europe?

BD - Andy Betts---the guys called him Betsy and he would get so mad!!!! I remember the day I met him....I was sitting at granby halls waiting for practice and in walked that big s** ** * ****h...he had to duck his head just to get in the door!!! Boy did he work hard...and remember he was a swimmer..basketball was pretty new to him back then. Anyway he was just stubborn and mean enough to make it. He was eventually drafted by the Charlotte Hornets whom I got to coach...during training camp we would reflect and laugh...good ole Betsy.

Q6 - How would you describe your relationship with the BBL refs?!

BD - BBL refs...wow we could tell some stories but you could never print them...we had some fun times and alot of laughs...they were not that bad- well at least not all of them.

Q7 - Who was your toughest opponent on the sidelines?

BD - Toughest coach....Kevin Cadle...he was good, and the most experienced at the times...BUT MAN HE IS BAD AT NFL COMMENTATING!!!! Also, when Finch got into it i remember telling people, watch out when that young kid gets more experience he is going to be good.

Q8 - Who was the best player that you saw play in the BBL?

BD - Best Player....Tony Dorsey...put a small guy on him and he would take us down inside and punish us...put a big on him and he came out and went to work..he won alot of games and had a great career...he was the best we went up against.

Q9 - Who was the best player that you nearly signed but couldn't for whatever reason?

BD - Best player we nearly signed....well I came in with my americans and after we made the playoffs we really just wanted to keep as much of it together as possible. I was really confident that in year two we could add some size and get to a final. Also, during my entire second season I had my eye on Rico Alderson...I knew that no matter where I was I would bring him in.

Q10 - What would be your best memory from your tenure in Leicester?

BD - GRANBY HALLS....THE CROWD...wow was that unreal and alot of fun. My first game there were not 25 people in the stands then after our first 5 games we never played without a packed house. The fans were amazing and were a big part of our success. I will never forget those moments as long as I live.

And finally........ Did you know that profits at Nicklebys [clothes store] have plummeted since you left town........?!

BD - Been along time my friend....since my time in the U.K. I have been fortunate enough to coach some of the best players in the world from Lebron James, Jamal Mashburn, Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer to many others....I have been able to prepare teams to go against Michael Jordan, Shaq, Kobe,,,the best. And yet even as I was preparing teams to win in the NBA Playoffs, to now as I am coaching College again-- I from time to time reflect of the days in the U.K. and always end up with a smile on my face. We had some great moments, and who knows maybe someday I shall return.... I certainly do miss it.

www.ridersballonline would like to thank Bob for his time and speediness in responding to an out of the blue e-mail and i'm sure you will agree there are some interesting thoughts to consider from Bob's two year stay in Leicester. Bob is now assistant coach at UAB [University of Alabama at Birmingham], check out their site at http://uabsports.cstv.com/

One on One with......

www.ridersballonline.com goes One on One with Riders PG Kyle Greathouse..........................................

*Pic Sumo

Q1, How are you settling in to your new surroundings?

KG - I am settling in good here in Leicester. We have a new Jelson Home which is great. And living with Chad Terrence and Emile is great.

Q2, Did you know of the BBL before you joined Leicester?

KG - Yea i did know of the BBL. I have been following Chad since he came to the league 2 years ago.

Q3, How do you rate the BBL as a league?

KG - The BBL is a talented league with it seems like some veterans that have been playing in the league for a while. Obviously some teams have more money than others but the league is competitive from top to bottom.

Q4, How does US College ball compare to the BBL?

KG - College ball - The preparation for games is much more in depth. Training is everyday as is the weight room. The competition is great in the BBL an college. In college you play against guys who are def. going to the NBA and everyone is in their early 20's in age. Here the veterans are advanced knowledge wise about the game and they know all the tricks.

Q5, What has been your best personal performance in your career so far?

KG - I had 29pts and only shot the ball 10 times in a league game in college.

Q6, What were your first impressions of Riders home floor?....................!! [Honestly!]

KG - I was a bit shocked with all the lines going everywhere. But it is starting to grow on me and I feel comfortable playing on the floor now.

Q7, How have you found the refereeing in the BBL?

KG - I know they give veterans the calls.

Q8, How would you rate your own personal performances for Riders so far?

KG - I feel I am playing my position well. I know it is about points but my best games sometimes are when I don't score much at all. I did not play in the top level in college because of how I can score tons of points, but I played because of how I ran the team and how I could get my teammates involved. There is def. room for improvement which is happening, and I think my game is improving as I get adjusted to the BBL.

Q9, And finally, how are you coping with driving on the left?!

The driving was a difficult adjustment the first few days. Now it will be different when I go home to drive on the right side. And there are tons of traffic lights and round abouts here!

www.ridersballonline.com would like to thank Kyle for taking time out to give his views on the above topics and wishes him well for the rest of the season, his debut year in the BBL.

Hopefully there will be more player Q&A's in the near future so keep checking back.........

One on One with......

The BBL's leading rebounder and low post menace, Tony Holley a.k.a "The Glove"

Tony played for Leicester under Karl Brown for the 05/06 season. He enjoyed a glittering BBL career with Thames Valley, Manchester, Brighton and Leicester and always caused problems for any team he played against.......... He now plays back in the US under former Derby and Bullets coach Steve Tucker at Jacksonville Jam in the ABA. To keep the BBL theme going, Tony has ex BBL players Deron Rutledge, Trey Moore and Jerry Williams as team mates.

ridersballonline - Firstly Tony, how are things are going in Jacksonville?

TH - Things in Jacksonville are going great, i'm home now so my girls and my wife are loving it! Playing with the Jam is a blessing because coach Tucker has given me a big role with the team coaching our post players, plus playing too. Although i do a lot more coaching than playing with the Jam i still have my nights when i can play 20-25mins.

ridersballonline - How would you compare the standard of the BBL to the ABA?

TH - The ABA and the BBL are a lot alike in the pace of the game, scoring is high and and the games are really exciting. The ABA is not as physical and the refs are bad, boy, do Trey, Deron, Jerry and myself miss the British refs!

ridersballonline - You played for many BBL teams, which was the best roster to be a part of and why?

TH - The best team was my first year in the BBL with Thames Valley simply because as a rookie i had no idea about the team and how to win games and championships until i got around Nigel [Lloyd] Scants [Pete Scantlebury] and Mick Bett. I think "The Glove" was born and raised in Bracknell in 1993!

ridersballonline - You lead the BBL in all rebounding categories, how do you feel about your achievements?

TH - I feel good about my individual rebounding record but i don't give it much thought. I was always more concerned with wins, losses and silverware but i hope it gives some young British 6'5 post player hope that if i could do it, they can too.

ridersballonline - Which team were your toughest opponents in the BBL and why?

TH - Sheffield, not even close with anyone else! I think in the early to mid 90's they were the toughest team to beat, Man they were tough home and away and you always had to be ready when you played them. Even with the Jam when we play teams like the Sharks us that have played BBL always say "defend like you are playing Sharks", the other players are like, what??!

ridersballonline - Can you name the best coach that you hsve played under and why?

TH - Ahh man, i would always have to put Mick Bett in there as he gave me my start, Paul James and Karl Brown were also great but Nick Nurse has to be the best. I just love his approach to games, how he prepares and breaks things down. Also, Steve Tucker has to be right up there because if you go on Birmingham you would think he couldn't coach but coach T reallllllly knows his stuff and with the ego's he has on the Jam, i think he has done a great job!

ridersballonline - Who would be in your All Time BBL starting five?

TH - My all time five would be Nigel Lloyd, Tony Dorsey, Dan Davis, Danny Lewis and Steve Bucknall. I picked these guys because when the game is on the line they come through 10 out of 10 times.

ridersballonline - What is your all time favourite game or personal performance?

TH - My most memorable game would be the 1993 Trophy Final against Manchester, my first piece of silverware in the BBL. It would also be my most memorable performance because i got MVP that game.

ridersballonline - How do you remember your time in Leicester?

TH - Man, i had a great time in Leicester, one of my best times overseas. I got to meet so many good people away from Basketball and it was so much like Bracknell. It was also nice to have a good season with a club that has such a rich tradition.

ridersball - Which Riders player gave you the most problems when you played against them?

TH - Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Big Bill [Singleton], that's my man and i love him! When he was at Riders and a lot younger he was a handful down low, tough so tough! Karl [Brown] was tough also, he was a dog at the Riders at both ends of the floor and he could dominate from either end.

ridersballonline - Do you see yourself moving into coaching once you have hung up your boots?

TH - My goal is to move into coaching. A lot of these guys at Jacksonville want me to go to England and coach so that they can come play for me! I'm still learning but coach Tucker thinks in a year i'll be a head coach. I would like to do it in the USA at college level then i could help British kids with their dreams.

And finally..........................

ridersballonline - Will we ever see "The Glove" in the UK again?

TH - Man, we are trying to put a trip together to the UK through Vince and play a few teams during the break between the Championship Finals so hopefully it will come off....... Our season ends in March so a lot of the guys want to go so yeah, maybe you will see "The Glove" back in the UK one way or another......

www.ridersballonline would like to thank Tony for taking time out to speak to us and to wish him good luck for the rest of the ABA season with Jacksonville Jam.