Weeks after lifting the WBBL Cup, Kate Oliver and Sara Hinriksdottir have left Leicester Riders.
The league leaders have signed American guard Maya Brewer and US big Amber Smith as replacements.
It is an uncharacteristic upheaval in Leicester with Oliver, the club captain, at the centre of their success in recent seasons and Iceland international Hinriksdottir a valuable addition since joining two tears ago.
Oliver said: “I am gutted to be leaving Riders without one last chance at finishing the season with a championship title. But I do not doubt that the team will remain competitive and continue to showcase the hard work and determination they have put in this year.”
Smith attended the University of Missouri and appeared in all 31 games as a senior averaging 11.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. During the 2019-20 campaign, the 5’11” forward had a season-high and beast of double-double with 27 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
Prior to joining the Riders, Smith in Greece but was only able to play four games pre-Covid.
“Amber is an undersized big that will create a lot of matchup troubles for our opponents,†said head coach Jesper Sundberg. “She is a good facilitator from the post and will fit right into our team.â€
“Defensively her ability to defend players in the post and away from the basket gives us options to make in-game adjustments.â€
Missouri-native Brewer previously played for ETHA Engomis in Cyprus.
“She is a versatile defender who will fit our intense defensive and high-possession style very well,†added Sundberg.
“Maya is a good open floor creator and will help improve our structured full-court offence.â€
Earlier this week, former GB centre Azania Stewart also signed for Leicester.
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