Veteran forward Tony Windless is the fourth player to return to the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders squad for the 2009/10 season.
The 39-year-old joined the club last summer and posted impressive numbers off the bench in the Riders' best ever league campaign. Windless notched up 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last year.
"I was very impressed with what he gave us last season," admitted Coach Rob Paternostro. "He filled a role for us as a scorer off the bench and I thought that was so important to what we were trying to do. He is a great rebounder as well, someone who gives you about six-and-a-half rebounds a game and he was up there in the league in rebounding."
"He still has plenty to give. Certainly when the game is on the line, he is ready to go. Everybody talks about his veteran leadership, but let's not forget that he is a very talented play no matter how young, old or whatever. With the young guys we had last year it certainly helped in the locker room and we're looking forward to having Tony back."
Whilst Paternostro was pleased with what Windless gave to his younger team-maters, he was also very impressed with Windless' desire for the team to do well.
"Tony is a really hungry player. When we take the floor all he cares about is whether we win or lose. Watching him over the years, I knew he was talented and he had tremendous ability, but I didn't know him like that. Working with him last year it was great to be around a guy who valued winning so highly and who'll do whatever it takes."
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
