Seventh Heaven – Double Award at Worcester Wolves

For only the second time since he took the helm at the Worcester Wolves, four years ago, Paul James has been honoured as the British Basketball League’s Molten Coach of the Month. At the same time, one of James’ high-profile summer signings, Will Creekmore, has also been recognised as the BBL’s Molten Player of the Month for October.

James’ award has come about following a thundering seven victories from seven games for his side to begin the season. After a wide-margin opening day win at an outclassed Surrey United, the first real test of his troops came in their first outing at their new home, the University of Worcester Arena, versus Leicester Riders. Roared on by a capacity crowd, the Wolves stunned the defending champions, 73-61.

The following week it took all of James’ wiles to motivate his team to a double of overtime triumphs, against London Lions and Cheshire Phoenix. After next overwhelming BBL newcomers the Birmingham Knights, there followed a severe test of Wolves’ championship credentials when making the long trip to the North-East to face perennial contenders, the Newcastle Eagles. Once more James’ men made the league sit up and take notice as they humbled another title favourite, 80-71. Additionally, Wolves also overpowered Manchester Giants to move into the quarter–finals of the BBL Cup.

Though clearly thrilled to receive the award, James was keen to deflect praise to his players, saying: “This is a testament to how well the team has performed. Everyone has bought into what we are trying to achieve at this club. I’m so proud. The players have won this award, not me.”

One of the undoubted stars of James’ squad this season has been new signing Will Creekmore. The ex-Missouri State Bear, came to Worcester with a big reputation, but has soon lived up to expectations, tabbing a highly-impressive double-double of points and rebounds in all but one of his seven appearances this season.

An average of 20 points and 13 rebounds has been enough for Creekmore to already feature in several BBL Team of the Weeks, culminating in this latest monthly honour. Sinking 28 points and pulling down a huge 22 rebounds in the win over Cheshire is the statistical high point of Creekmore’s performances so far, but James is equally thrilled by the winning mentality that his first-year centre has brought to the Wolves, saying: “Will is an outright winner. He detests losing, even in practice. When I spoke to him before he signed for us, every conversation was about winning.”

“I’m delighted that Will has won this award. He had a stellar career at college, so I knew he was good, but now he’s showing everyone else how formidable he is,” added James.

The solitary match where Creekmore just missed out on his customary double-double of statistics was the blowout win at Birmingham, where he grabbed only six boards, (alongside 12 points). With the outcome already decided, there was the chance for Creekmore to play much less minutes than usual. James joked that he would take the rap for not allowing his star to maintain his rebounding streak, saying: “Will took a blow to the face late on in that game and had a pretty strong nosebleed. With the win already in the bag, it didn’t occur to me to push him back onto the court. Obviously I should have kept a closer eye on his stats.”

Wolves’ supporters will have the chance to show their appreciation for the efforts of James and Creekmore this Friday evening when the Plymouth Raiders visit the University of Worcester Arena (tip off 7.30pm), in a game to be recorded for transmission on British Eurosport TV. The next day the Wolves will travel to their Midlands rivals, the Leicester Riders, for a BBL Cup quarter-final showdown.