Leicester Riders sign Riley Abercrombie

Leicester Riders announce the signing of 6’9” forward Riley Abercrombie for the 2024/25 season

The Australian, who possesses a UK passport, signs from the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s NBL 1, where he averaged 23.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Abercrombie’s season with the Hawks featured back-to-back 38 point games, five 30 point outings and six double doubles over 19 games. 

Prior to Abercrombie’s summer in Illawarra, he played his graduation year with the University of  North Colorado. He averaged 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over his two seasons with the Bears, logging his best statistical season as a senior with 8.2 points per game. 

The Wollongong native declared for Boise State as a freshman, before transferring to Rice University for two seasons. At Rice, Abercrombie was a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll, and was named to the NABC Honors Court in 2021. 

At 6’9”, Abercrombie can take defenders off the dribble, use his deep range to knock down shots and can score with his back to the basket. As a three level scorer, he poses a threat from anywhere on the court, and his size allows him to impact the boards on both ends. 

Abercrombie said: “I’m extremely excited to be a part of the Leicester Riders this upcoming season. It’s a great club and with an amazing support system behind it. 

“I can’t wait to be in England and put on a Leicester Riders jersey!”

Abercrombie is Head Coach Rob Paternostro’s eighth signing of the summer ahead of the 2024-25 season. 

He added: “We are looking forward to having Riley on our team. He has good size and has the ability to stretch defences with his three point shooting. He is also an effective rebounder who has shown the ability to play team basketball.

“He has had an excellent summer playing in Australia, where he put up some impressive numbers. We are looking forward to working with him this season.”