LEICESTER Riders head coach Rob Paternostro has admitted he has been impressed by the Cheshire Jets’ early-season form as he prepares to bring his side to the Northgate Arena in the BBL Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
“They have had a great start in the league,” he said. “Whenever I’ve seen them they have played intelligently.
“I thought Bell played well last time against us, and Matt Schneck was very effective in the paint.
“It’s important for us to take care of the ball, last time we gave them too many points on turnovers and we need to improve that to get a result.”
Paternostro’s was describing the game a fortnight ago, when the Jets ended the Riders unbeaten home record.
This weekend he is also looking to shake off the disappointment of missing out on a BBL Trophy final place last Saturday.
“I was impressed with the way our guys competed against Guildford Heat,” said Paternostro.
“Unfortunately they made key plays when they had to and held off our charge.”
The Riders have made several recent transfers, including signing veteran Robert Youngblood after he was cut from the MK Lions roster to make way for former Jet Shawn Myers.
“Robert was solid for us,” he said. “He’s one of those guys who understands the game so well and we all benefit from him being around.”
