Tim Rider was a member of the York men's basketball team from 1981 to 1986. During that time, York dominated the OUAA, winning three championships and advancing to the CIAU championship in 1981-82. A four-time OUAA all-star, Rider was named the OUAA East Division most valuable player (MVP) and a CIAU all-Canadian in 1985-86. He is among York's career leaders in total points, points per game, field goals, rebounds, assists and steals. Rider graduated with a BA (Honours) in economics in 1986.