Leicester Riders: Rob Paternostro proud of resilient side
Last updated on .From the section Basketball
Head coach Rob Paternostro says Leicester Riders have done remarkably well to be second in the BBL table after an unforgiving run of fixtures.
Riders beat Leeds Force and Durham Wildcats in their fifth double-header out of six last weekend.
But their only game this weekend sees them host London Lions in the BBL Trophy first leg on Sunday.
"We are 20 and five in the league and, with our schedule, the guys deserve a ton of credit," Paternostro said.
"To play five back-to-backs (in six weeks) really takes a toll on the body. We can tell the guys need a bit of break."
| Riders on the road and Riders in a rush |
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| Riders have played 14 games over the eight weekends in 2015. |
| The players have travelled approx 1,030 miles in the last six weeks to away fixtures, winning three and losing one of those games. |
Riders are six points behind Newcastle Eagles in the table, but Paternostro is encouraged by both their position and progress.
"We feel like our best basketball is still to come and I couldn't be more proud of the guys," Paternostro told BBC Radio Leicester.
"We have played have ten back-to-back weekends this season and nobody has played anywhere near that."
Paternostro said that fitness had played a key part in their consistency and was relishing the chance to play London - their only game this weekend.
"If we are going to compete and have a great season then we have be in great condition. It's as simple as that," he added.
"London are a really talented team and their record does not reflect how talented they are. It should be a great game for the fans to watch."
