Leicester Riders have re-signed forward TrayVonn Wright, who will be back for his fourth season with the champions.
Riders picked up Wright early in November last season, after he was unexpectedly released by the Rethymno Cretan Kings of the top flight in Greece, and after Riders were knocked out of the BBL Cup. The signing coincided with a run of victories for the Riders on their way to the treble.
Considered one of the most athletic and spectacular players ever to play in the BBL, Wright also had a successful two-year spell with Riders from 2014-2016, which was highlighted by a series of spectacular dunks that made him a fan favourite up and down the country.
For Riders, in the 2015/16 season, Wright averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, as well as being named twice in the BBL All-Defensive Team of the Year.
The 25-year-old is a graduate of North Dakota State University and played in Sweden for Boras Basket in their top league in 2016-17, and was one of the top shot blockers in the league. He also averaged 12 points and 5 rebounds a game.
Last season, Wright came off the bench for the Riders and averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1 block a game, while shooting an impressive 58% from the floor before earning the MVP award in the Play-Off Final victory at The O2.
“It was an easy choice for me,” he said. “I have family here now. I know what to expect, and the Club and the fans know what they get from me, so it is a good feeling.
“I made the decision to come back before the [Basketball] Champions League application, but obviously that just acts as a bonus. It gives me another competition to aspire to and hopefully we can be successful in that too.
“Coach Rob has a great deal of confidence in me and I try and deliver to his expectations.”
Riders head coach Rob Paternostro was also delighted to have Wright back:
“It’s great to have TrayVonn back because he is a player that can impact the game in so many ways, and played an important part in our success last season.
“He is extremely versatile on both ends of the court, which gives us the luxury of playing him in multiple spots on the floor and playing him in different positions.
“He is a big game player, who over the years has played his best basketball at the most important times.
“I thought last season that our team really took off when we brought TrayVonn back.
“His athleticism and talent in the front court were very instrumental to our team’s successful campaign.”