Riders sign Idowu

[isthaturinal]

Leicester Riders are thrilled to announce the signing of 6’8” forward Samuel Idowu.

The former GB u20s star spent his three college years in NCAA division one with Saint Peter’s University. Iwodu starred for the Peacocks in helping them win the program’s first ever national postseason tournament championship in 2017.

Idowu averaged 16.1 pts in his first professional season in Holland with Aris Leeuwarden. His second year he spent in Denmark with Team FOG Naestved, averaging 15.5 pts. He spent his third year with Yoast United, but was cut-short due to injury.

“It’s been a long time, but I can’t wait to come back to England” commented Idowu.

“I’m excited to join the Riders for the new season! I look forward to meeting the team, embracing the fans and the culture as well.”

The New York native, who holds a British passport, becomes Coach Rob Paternostro’s second recruit of the summer having secured the services of fan favourite Kimbal Mackenzie late last month.

Coach Rob commented: “We are really looking forward to working with Sam. He is a versatile big with good experience in Europe, who has shown the ability to score and rebound as a professional.”

“I enjoyed speaking with him, he is an intelligent engaging guy who I think will fit in very well with us.”

[ecrider]

Dnh replacement with a British passport sounds promising

[milehigh]

He has a badly injured left knee. Not seen a big knee brace like that used in a game for a long time.

Hopefully he is able to stay fit and his mobility isn't limited too much.

[massiveridersfan]

It saves time if we hire players who are already injured rather than waiting for it to happen in the first month with us.

[D44]

Jun 12, 2023 21:13:48 GMT milehigh said:

He has a badly injured left knee. Not seen a big knee brace like that used in a game for a long time.

Hopefully he is able to stay fit and his mobility isn't limited too much.

Maggie Justinak (Eagles WBBL) was wearing something similar this season. Assume to prevent any sideways movement on the knee after having ligament damage repaired. Riders must be pretty happy he can play ok (or have him on a non guaranteed contract perhaps)

[Stephen Abootman]

Jun 12, 2023 21:13:48 GMT milehigh said:

He has a badly injured left knee. Not seen a big knee brace like that used in a game for a long time.

Hopefully he is able to stay fit and his mobility isn't limited too much.

Do you know something I don't or are you basing this on the same college footage that I've seen? If so that was quite some time ago. He appears to have played his entire pro career brace free. Injuries have been a problem and it's concerning how little he's played the last two years but the upside here looks considerable.

He's pretty much the kind of player I've been clamouring for the past couple of seasons. A physical, athletic, decently versatile big who can rebound, rim protect, probably play the 4 and 5 spots. He's been a consistently productive player at a decent level. If he's healthy now and hasn't lost anything I think he could be an excellent addition to our frontcourt. Potentially a more physical William Lee, with a British passport.

Not sure he's necessarily a DNH replacement. He's not really a like for like swap for anyone from last season's roster. Still think we could potentially be in the market for a new out and out center though it depends who else is returning.

[massiveridersfan]

Yeah, I like the idea of someone athletic in the front court who can ignite a crowd. We didn't have that this season but sport's an entertainment after all is said and done.