Excitement Mounting at Wolves

The excitement is building at Worcester Wolves as they move closer to beginning their new campaign in the British Basketball League. The opening night fixture, on Saturday 28 September, will be a trip to Guildford to take on Surrey United, a club under new ownership and one that is thought to perhaps be a step or two behind others in their season’s preparations.

The following week, on Friday 4 October, will likely be a better early indication of where Wolves sit in comparison to their BBL peers, when the club host last season’s treble-winning Leicester Riders. This game will also mark the first competitive game played by the Wolves at their new home, the University of Worcester Arena.

Director of Basketball Paul James says that his players are chomping at the bit to begin the season, commenting; “We are raring to go. The intensity of the players in training has been immense. If anything I am almost thinking that I hope we are not leaving it all on the practice-court.”

There have been a raft of new faces arriving at the club this summer and James is particularly looking to a couple of his established players to help the new recruits bed in, saying; “Alex Owumi was pretty much top of my list to come back to Worcester. He had a fabulous first season with us and will be a calming influence. Kalil Irving is also coming back and, despite being one of the younger members of my squad, is another person who can show leadership.”

While the Worcester public will undoubtedly be keen to be present at Wolves’ debut appearance at their new arena, James is careful to not look far beyond the outing to Surrey the week before, saying; “Yes, Surrey might have had a slightly unsettled pre-season but their players will be eager to impress the new ownership and to entertain their fans. It will be up to us to make sure we are professional and ready to play. The Leicester game will stay out of our thoughts until this first match has taken place.”

In a new innovation at the club, game tickets for all games at the University of Worcester Arena can now be purchased online. The link to the new ticket service can be found on the Wolves website: worcesterwolves.org.