Leicester Riders sign Zach Jackson

Leicester Riders are excited to welcome back Zach Jackson for the 2024/25 season.

Jackson returns to the Club after spending three seasons with the Riders between 2020 and 2023. He played an integral role in the Riders’ 2022 treble, winning four trophies during his time in the East Midlands. 

During the 2022/23 season, Jackson averaged 16.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 55% from the field and 43% from three. He led the Riders in points, rebounds and steals during the 2023 Playoffs, making the final at the O2 Arena with 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. 

Jackson’s career-high night in Leicester came against the Newcastle Eagles, where he put up 29 points and 9 rebounds and went 10-13 from the field in an 87-79 win. It was one of 11 20-point games during the 2022/23 season for the Wichita native, who went off for 20 points and 9 rebounds in the Playoff Final against the London Lions. 

Prior to the Riders, Jackson spent his rookie season in Ukraine for Kharkivski Sokoly, averaging 12 points and 4 rebounds per game. He went on to sign for Shonan United BC of the Japanese B.League last summer, before returning to the Riders for the upcoming season. 

The 6’6” wing is respected as an elite scorer, rebounder and defender, and is known for stepping up in the biggest moments and delivering clutch plays. 

Jackson said: “It feels good to be coming back to play for Coach Rob, and play in front of the fans that we’re part of a very good time in my career. 

“I hope to help win some more trophies for the organisation. I look forward to getting back to Leicester and getting to work.”

Head Coach Rob Paternostro added: “It’s fantastic to have a player like Zach back. In his time with the club, he was a pleasure to work with both on and off the court.

“He knows how to win, he has played in a lot of big games and has made so many important winning plays in his time in Leicester.

“Zach is a versatile player who is comfortable playing the two through four positions, which should give us many different combinations to use throughout the season.”