Leicester Riders sign US F Anthony Simpson out of Kent State

Leicester Riders legend Geno Ford has given his old club one more assist by sending one of his college players to the BBL outfit.
6’8” forward Anthony Simpson, who played under Ford at Kent State University, has signed for the Riders for next season after spurning rival offers from the Korean League.

“I told Anthony he has a lot of pressure to live up to what I did when I was there,” said Ford, who averaged 18 points per game in the BBL. “It’s actually kind of funny that he will end up playing there, just like me. I loved my year in Leicester, and I know it will be a good situation for Anthony, too. It’s a great city to live in, and the team has a very loyal fan base.”

Simpson, who hails from Chicago, averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds in his senior year at KSU. And Ford believes he can adjust to the pros.

“This is Anthony’s rookie year, and like all players heading overseas, your first year is about proving yourself, getting your feet wet, showing you can live outside the country and showing you can be a productive player in the international game,” Ford told The Record.

“So for him, Leicester makes so much sense. It’s going to be a very simple transition.”

The Riders have already re-signed captain LaTaryl Williams.

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