Wolves Pair Walking the Talk

After an unbeaten start to the new season some Worcester Wolves’ players are already dropping hints that silverware could be on the way to the city. No-one has been more vociferous about what they think Coach Paul James’ new-look team can achieve than centre Will Creekmore and point guard Zaire Taylor.

After the Wolves dragged themselves back from late deficits to eventually triumph in two thrilling overtime contests last week, both Creekmore and Taylor have been rewarded by being named in the starting five of the latest British Basketball League Team of the Week.

In every one of his side’s four victories this year Creekmore has completed the formidable task of registering a double-double of points and rebounds. Against London Lions last Thursday, he made 17 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, but then even went on to better those numbers by pouring in 28 points and pulling down a huge 22 rebounds the next evening versus Cheshire Phoenix.

Worcester’s first-year big man paid tribute to his team-mates when talking about two tough games on consecutive days, saying: “We were so tired. There were a bunch of times when we could have given up, but we just kept fighting. I’m proud of the guys.”

When asked for his thoughts about what the team can achieve, Creekmore added: “We’ve got players at the Wolves who will never give up. We’re competitors. Zaire didn’t leave Leicester to come here and not win titles, and I feel the same.”

Despite being hampered by a hip injury, Taylor also produced impressive numbers. After sinking 42 points and coming up with seven valuable ball-steals over the two games, he agreed with Creekmore’s opinion, saying: “Titles come when you win. I don’t just play to win games, I play to win every play.”

In the dying seconds of normal time against Cheshire, Taylor needed to make a double of foul shots to extend the game into an extra period. With large swathes of the University of Worcester Arena crowd chanting his name, he calmly stepped forward and sank the shots. He described his feelings when standing at the free-throw line; “Yes there was pressure on me, but I’ve been in a lot of those situations before. I was determined to succeed, particularly with all the support I was getting. It’s a blessing to be accepted by the fans after only being here such a short time.”

Paul James was thrilled with the performances of both players, saying: “Will is just so tough on offence, and he sure knows how to grab a rebound. Like Will, Zaire is just a born winner. A lot of what these guys are doing is why Wolves are where they are right now.”

Attention will switch to the BBL Cup this Friday when Wolves host Manchester Giants (tip off 7.30pm) at the University of Worcester Arena. On Sunday afternoon it will be back to league action when Wolves make the short trip over to BBL new-boys, the Birmingham Knights (tip off 3pm).