Reflections on semi-final success

The University of Worcester Arena played host to joyous scenes of celebration last week when Worcester Wolves overcame Sheffield Sharks to move into the final of the BBL Trophy, to be held at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena on Sunday 30 March.

Since their promotion to the top flight of British basketball in 2006, this was only the third time that Wolves had reached the semi-final of any competition, having lost out on both previous occasions.  The scenes of excitement that followed last Wednesday’s 84-70 second-leg victory, (aggregate score 146-130), were in no small way a reaction to the club having finally managed to secure the chance to grab some silverware.

Wolves’ coach Paul James spoke of his delight at seeing the efforts of his players rewarded with a trip to a final, saying: “I’m proud of all the players; it’s been a real team effort to get to the final. We’ve had tough games all the way to this point, winning on the road at London, Newcastle and Sheffield. On Wednesday we rebounded as a team, got stops as a team, and as a result now stand on the verge of winning a major competition.”

One of the standout individual performances came from Zaire Taylor who notched a huge 30 points, as well as setting up numerous scores for his team-mates. He also preferred to deflect credit for the victory to his colleagues, remarking: “This was all about the team coming through when it mattered. Sharks pushed us to the wire, but we then responded as we should.”

Last season, when playing in Leicester colours, Taylor won a triple of competitions. The only blot on his record was a mere runners-up medal in the BBL Trophy. He is determined to complete his collection of honours, adding: “This is the only title I haven’t won but, more important than that, it’s also a chance for Worcester to get their first title.”

There was a near-capacity crowd on hand at the Arena to see James’ troops build a big first-half lead, only to see Sheffield whittle it away as the night progressed. James was full of praise for the contribution of the club’s supporters in urging Wolves to succeed: “The fans have been fantastic, becoming the sixth man for the side. When the going got tough and Sharks levelled the scores, they really got behind us, turning their support up a notch and inspiring us to get the job done.”

Assistant coach Alex Radu echoed James’ remarks about the intensity of the spectators’ support: “The place was packed; thank you to everyone who came along. We want to build on the result for the rest of the season and build a championship team for the people of Worcester.”

The club has put together a combined coach/game ticket deal for fans who want to make the trip up to Glasgow, and all the signs are that Wolves will enjoy the backing of substantial numbers. Further details can be found on the club’s website/Facebook page.

Before then it will be back to business as usual in Worcester’s quest to finish at the head of the British Basketball League. This Friday, (tip off 7.30pm), Plymouth Raiders will visit the University of Worcester Arena. With Wolves’ recently absent from league action, Newcastle Eagles have taken the opportunity to overtake them at the top of the table. Eagles now stand on 42 points from 26 games played, with Wolves just a couple of points behind, but with two matches in hand.