The Leicester Riders announced on Thursday that GB International Captain Andrew Sullivan has signed a contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2011 season.
The move comes prior to Sullivan locking horns against his old club, the Newcastle Eagles, in what is a highly anticipated BBL Cup semi-final second leg clash with both teams tied at 90 from the first encounter.
The deal to secure Sullivan’s services was only possible thanks the financial backing of a consortium of businessmen in the local community who, following the hard work of Riders GM Russell Levenston and Steve White (Chairman of Leicester Riders Community Interest Company), were made aware of the opportunity not only for the club to sign arguably the best player in the BBL but also the impact that a successful Leicester basketball club could have in Leicestershire.
One of the sponsors, Romail Gulzar of Pukaar News said: “It is a family game and Pukaar News is a family business so we are very pleased to be working together.
“Our work together will bring basketball to the fore in the Asian community and help in expanding it’s appeal.”
While another consortium member, Vic Sethi of Anand Daewood International, added: “When you go to the games, you see kids on the floor after the game and the players are signing autographs and talking to them. This is a family environment and we’re proud to see that basketball in Leicester is up and coming.”
In addition to the news of Sullivan’s extension, the Leicester Riders were pleased to celebrate the news that Riders Head Coach, Rob Paternostro, was awarded the BBL Coach of the Month award for November following his teams impressive five wins from six (the sixth was a draw).
