Paternostro is having a busy summer

Leicester Riders coach Rob Paternostro says he is getting ever-closer to shaping his squad for the new season.

The new campaign gets underway in September and Paternostro told BBC Radio Leicester the club are working hard behind the scenes.

He said: "We're talking to a lot of players, agents and coaches trying to find the right combination.

"It's all-consuming and the phone does not stop ringing. Only a few teams have made signings so it's a waiting game."

Paternostro added: "You have to expect Newcastle to be favourites.

"They've been a solid organisation for the last few years and Milton Keynes had a good year last year as did Plymouth and they have brought everyone back.

We have four home games to start the season and you'd rather start at home so that looks pretty good to me Rob Paternostro

"Those are three of the teams you could put up front right now but until we see the completed rosters it's hard to tell."

Riders start their BBL league campaign at home to the London Capitals on Saturday, 27 September - one of three home league fixtures.

They also entertain Worthing Thunder in the first round of the BBL Cup.

Riders have been drawn in group two of the Trophy competition along with the Cheshire Jets and Everton Tigers.

Paternostro said: "We have four home games to start the season and you'd rather start at home so that looks pretty good to me.

"We hope to do well in all competitions. I don't think you can target any individual ones as the season goes on.

"We look to put on an entertaining and solid product and look to compete every time we take to the floor."