Study and Play Opportunities in Worcester

Following on from the re-signing of promising young forward Kalil Irving, Worcester Wolves have confirmed a couple of other up and comers who will be joining Irving as members of an elite study and play programme at the club, in partnership with the University of Worcester: Harry Turner is a returnee to Worcester, while Caylin Raftopoulos will be a new face in the city.

While 21 year-old Irving certainly made the biggest impression out of a raft of young recruits last season, 19 year-old Turner also performed efficiently when called upon, posting four points per game in the few minutes of action he saw at the guard position. Despite Turner’s limited time on court, Wolves’ Director of Basketball Paul James feels there is sufficient potential to include him in his plans for the new season, commenting:

“We had a lot of young talent at the club last year, going up against some experienced talent in order to earn time on court. Kalil forced his way into the starting line-up and, to a lesser extent, we had other young players such as Harry also vying for minutes. Harry showed enough promise for me to want to make him a part of my squad for the future.”

In recognition of their efforts and their obvious potential, James also revealed that the University of Worcester and the club had backed both Irving and Turner by financing a summer trip to Lithuania where they enjoyed taking part in an intense European training camp, explaining:

“As well as playing for the Wolves, Kalil and Harry are both students at the University of Worcester: Kalil is studying Marketing and Harry is studying Business Management. This organisation will always reward effort and the trip to Lithuania was recognition of the efforts both young men have put into their basketball and into their University studies.”

Another person who now wants to take advantage of the special relationship between the Wolves and the University of Worcester is 20 year-old Caylin Raftopoulos. Caylin is the son of ex-Surrey Heat coach Creon Raftopoulos and has signed up to Sports Coaching studies at the University while also hoping to make a basketball impact. Averaging five points a game at the Heat last year, the 5 foot 8 inch guard is another player with the ability to improve his production if he can gain more time on court. Paul James is pleased to welcome Raftopoulos to Worcester, saying:

“Caylin did well when he got his chances last year. He scored in double figures several times, including against us back in February. He can also dish out assists and be a threat from three-point range.

“However, like everyone at the Wolves, he knows he will have to earn his playing time. I know he will be knuckling down in his studies at the University and there will also now be the chance for him to grind it out on court. I am delighted that Wolves’ relationship with the University can create such great opportunities for basketball talent.”

Wolves’ first home game of the season will take place at the brand-new University of Worcester Arena on Friday 4 October, versus Leicester Riders. However the week before, on Saturday 28 September, will see the season-opener for the Wolves, a visit to Raftopoulos’ former team, the Surrey Heat.