Recognised by BBL clubs for his efforts this season, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of handing Paternostro the accolade for the third time in his career.

It means he now joins an elite club, since he’s only the third play-caller in BBL history to have reached the landmark – following in the footsteps of Kevin Cadle and Fab Flournoy.

Rob Paternostro

Rob Paternostro

He won his first award in 2009 and then again in 2013 when he led Riders to their first ever silverware treble. Having secured the prestigious individual accolade which was recently re-named in honour of the late former BBL Chairman Ed Percival, Paternostro is currently trying to mastermind another treble haul.

With the BBL Trophy and BBL Championship already tucked safely in the cabinet at the Leicester Community Sports Arena, he is now looking forward to taking his team up against Sheffield Sharks in Sunday’s Molten BBL Play-Off Final at The 02.

Paternostro has presided over a stunning season and at 39-5-1 in all competitions, it is Riders’ second best season record and the fifth year in a row they have won more than 30 games – having never achieved that once prior to the current streak starting. It means the play-caller will have the chance of hitting the 40 wins mark for only the second time in club history when they take to the floor on Sunday.

This season’s away record of 19-2 is the Riders’ best in top flight history by win percentage, with Paternostro and his players having set a club record of 17 consecutive away wins -which is the third longest streak in BBL history. Riders also equalled a club record 12 consecutive wins in all competitions.

Paternostro will be presented with his award on Sunday by the family of the late Ed Percival and the showdown with Sharks will be available live on the BBC red button and via BBC Sport online, with tip-off at 3.30pm.

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