Worcester Student Named in BBL Team of the Week

Worcester Wolves centre and University of Worcester Education student Robert Thurman has been named in the BBL Team of the Week following his impressive competitive debut for the club.

Thurman scored 27 points as Wolves made a winning start to the BBL season, defeating the side they beat in last season’s Play-Off final, Newcastle Eagles, 86-81 at Sport Central.

The 6”10 American was one of the players brought in by coach Paul James during the summer, and he is combining playing with studying for an MA in Education at the University, which took full ownership of the club during the close season.

Ahead of his home debut at the University Arena this Friday, Thurman told the BBL: “The BBL seems like a very respectable league with a lot of ties to great universities, so I like how many players are not only good ball players but they are students as well, including myself.

“I think our playmaking is going to be strong and our perimeter shooting will be deadly. I think we need to improve on making shots and controlling the ball better but other than that I am happy with this team.”

The win at Newcastle represented a terrific start to the season for the Wolves, and Thurman believes it was the perfect way to begin the campaign, particularly given the changes in personnel over the summer.

“Every game is a statement game because we want to follow up last year’s success and even surpass it. We knew they were going to be physical so we just had to match it,” he added.

“This was an important win for the club and definitely a confidence builder.”

Mick Donovan, Managing Director of the Wolves, added: “At the University of Worcester, we have a great belief in offering the opportunity for talented people to combine study and play, and that with the correct structure, great things can be achieved.

“We are pleased with the promising start Robert has made as a student and an athlete at the University and with the Wolves.”

Thurman and his team-mates play a double header this weekend, taking on Cheshire Phoenix at the University Arena on Friday, before travelling to face the Manchester Giants on Sunday evening.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Phoenix game from the University Arena Reception, or by visiting www.ticketline.co.uk.