Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders guard John Griffin has departed the club, in order to pursue options away from the British Basketball League.

The American arrived as one of head coach Rob Paternostro’s summer acquisitions; however Griffin returned stateside shortly after, following a thumb injury which prevented him from starting the season.

Despite the setback, Griffin returned to Leicester following his recovery at a perfect time, after injury halted the season of fellow guard Flinder Boyd.

Griffin, who worked as part of the Indiana Pacers staff in the NBA prior to joining Leicester Riders, scored 30 points in a combined four games, and although Griffin will now seek opportunities away from the BBL, Paternostro has admitted that the door is still open for a possible return.

“We loved having him on our team and felt that even though he was unfortunate with his injury at the early stages of the season; he was still able to show what kind of player he was as he helped us on our early-season win streak,” said the Riders head coach.

“We wish him all the best in his future endeavours and would welcome him back into the fold if the situation arose.”

Meanwhile, Riders brought 2011 to a close with a superb 99-75 win over BBL Championship pacesetters Worcester Wolves on the road.

“I was really happy with the way our guys came back off the break that we had. We had a good practice on Tuesday and felt good going into the game,” confessed Paternostro.

“Worcesterhave proven that they are a good team and to get a win at their place was satisfying. I thought Bradd Wierzbicki’s shooting in the first half was very important. He was able to hit some shots that kept us in a good position, and in the second half Cameron Rundles was on fire. He was making shots from everywhere, which was a huge lift for our club.”

Leicester Riders next take on Durham Wildcats and Mersey Tigers on the road on Saturday 7^th January and Friday 20^th January respectively, before returning to the John Sandford Sports Centre on Saturday 21^st January, where the Riders take on bitter rivals MK Lions.