Leicester Riders' British forward Anthony Rowe has announced that he will depart following four seasons and having won multiple pieces of silverware with Riders. "I've been trying to avoid this decision for quite some time now." Rowe confessed. "Three knee surgeries later would suggest that I have escaped the grasps of retirement on several occasions. But now it's finally time to accept it. I am sad to leave the game that I love, but I am very excited for a new career. My mind is saying play another decade or two, but my knees are saying no more!"

He continued, "I want to sincerely thank the Leicester Riders organisation for giving me good times and great memories. The BBL is progressing and the club is going in the right direction, I can't think of a more desirable British team to play for right now.

"It's an exciting time for the Riders and that has made the decision to retire that much harder." Rowe will look to move away from basketball in September following graduating from Loughborough University with a postgraduate degree. "In September I am set to graduate with a MSc in Business Management from Loughborough University School of Business & Economics," he added.

"I am looking at exploring options away from the beautiful game of basketball, however it will be weird not wearing long shorts to work every day now though!"  Rowe will feature in Barry Lamble's testimonial game at the Leicester Sports Arena, alongside his long-time friend and team mate.  "Barry retiring has actually helped me come to terms with my own decision," confirmed the forward.

"He's come to be one of my closest friends, so it'll be a please to play my last game at the Arena in his testimonial." Barry Lamble's Testimonial event will take place on July 9 and fans will get be able to give the pair a special Riders' send off.