Riders Bolster Squad with Wright Addition, Rocks Return for Egwuonwu

By Bradley Gains on December 6, 2014

Leicester Riders and Glasgow Rocks have both made changes to their rosters this week ahead of their highly-anticipated BBL TV clash tonight.

Third-placed Leicester have signed American forward TrayVonn Wright to replace compatriot Derrick Roland – released this week – while the Rocks have re-signed American centre Paul Egwuonwu despite parting ways with the rookie earlier this season.

Wright, approaching his 23rd birthday, graduated from North Dakota State University after averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and nearly 2 blocks per game in his senior year for the Bison. Wright joined Austrian top-flight side WBC Raiffeisen Wels for pre-season, before going on to be sent to Iowa Energy in the NBA D-League draft.

“TrayVonn is a long, athletic and versatile player that plays above the rim and can bring a different dimension to our team.” said Head Coach Rob Paternostro.

“I think the athleticism is certainly something that jumps out at you when you watch him play. He really is an exciting player and can impact the game on both ends of the court.

“He comes from a winning program and was an intelligent player and a major factor in his teams success. He is capable of making plays from many areas on the court and is a guy that we feel will fit in well with our team.”

Post by Leicester Riders.

Riders expect Wright to make his debut as they look to avenge their recent Cup defeat to the Rocks – who are hoping the re-addition of Egwuonwu provides added depth having lost Ali Fraser to injury, while Sterling Davis continues his post-op rehab.

Glasgow inflicted an 80-71 defeat on Leicester, which was their first loss of the season, before the Riders bounced back to hold on to an 81-78 win at the Emirates Arena to tie their H2H series at 1-1. An epic BBL Cup quarter-final then ensued in Loughborough as Kieron Achara stole the show with the game-winning three at the buzzer to knock the holders out.

To watch the mini-series decider, you can sign up to BBL TV here.

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