Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have signed guard J.R. Blount for the 2010/11 season. The American guard finished his collegiate career at Loyola University as one of their most prolific and consistent scorers.
Blount was only the third player in Ramblers’ history to average double figures in each of his four years at Loyola and was ranked in their all-time top 10 for scoring and assist.
“J.R. is an easy player to like because he plays the game with a toughness and confidence that is very contagious to his teammates,” said Coach Rob Paternostro. “He had a great career at Loyola which plays in a very good Division 1 conference.
“To average double figures for four years in that conference is a fantastic achievement and when you add that to all the other intangibles that J.R. brings it is very exciting that he is joining our club.”
The 6’1″ guard led the Ramblers in scoring and assists in both his junior and senior years, helping him to become only the fifth player in Loyola history to top 1,500 points and 300 assists.
“Everyone I spoke with, including an NBA team that he worked out with, had nothing but great things to say about JR. On and off the court, he fits in to what we are trying to do here.”
Whilst earning his masters degree last year, Blount was on the coaching staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points who won the NCAA Division 3 National Championship.
Paternostro added, “His coaching experience last season I see as a real plus. It’s great when you have players that a have a good understanding of the game and by talking with him this summer I can see where his knowledge can benefit our club.”
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
