January 9, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Porter Playing in Riders Uniform Again

Former Bronc now in England

LEICESTER, ENGLAND--Once a Rider basketball player, always a Rider basketball player.

Mario Porter, the only Rider University basketball player to graduate with both 1700 points and 700 rebounds, has just signed a contract with the Leicester Riders basketball club in England. Porter makes his debut with the team January 10 against the Newcastle Eagles.

Porter played briefly in the USBL for the Pennsylvania Valley Dogs upon graduation from Rider, before signing a contract with the Entente Orleans team in France. Porter played in France in the fall before returning to New Jersey in December.

"Hopefully, Mario will offer us some front line scoring," said Leicester coach Billy Mimms. "I saw Mario play in the USBL and he impressed me with his athleticism, scoring ability and his passion for the game."

At Rider, Porter finished second in career scoring (1,782) and seventh in career rebounding (706).  As a senior he was the 2002 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year, earning honorable mention All-America honors, and was the Rider male Athlete of the Year. Porter led the MAAC in scoring (20.1) and rebounding (8.5), leading his team to the regular season championship.

The Leicester Riders play in the 11-team British Basketball League, and play their home games at Loughborough University.

-RU-