Leicester Riders Add Columbia Forward Blair Thompson for 2026/27 SLB Season

Leicester Riders have added American forward Blair Thompson to their roster ahead of the 2026/27 Super League Basketball season.

Thompson arrives in Leicester after completing his college career at Columbia University, where the 6ft 8in forward averaged 11.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in his senior season.

The Riders also highlighted his outside shooting, with Thompson converting 40.9% from three-point range during that campaign. That combination of size, floor spacing and defensive versatility gives head coach Rob Paternostro another frontcourt option as Leicester continue to build for the new SLB season.

Thompson said he was “incredibly excited and grateful” to begin his professional career with the Riders, pointing to Leicester’s culture and tradition of success as part of the appeal.

Paternostro described Thompson as a versatile player who can impact multiple positions on both ends of the floor, adding that his basketball IQ and feel for the game stood out during his time at Columbia.

The signing continues a busy summer for Leicester, who have been reshaping their squad for the 2026/27 campaign. For Riders supporters, Thompson’s shooting profile is the key detail: if it translates quickly to the professional game, he could help stretch defences and create more room for Leicester’s guards and interior scorers.

Source: Leicester Riders.