James Happy with Squad Balance

Wolves’ head coach, Paul James, has expressed his content with the balance in his squad after they secured a 78-75 win on Friday to extend their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

Wolves’ ninth win in ten home games keeps them second in the league table level on points with Newcastle, but having played two more games than the Tynesiders.

After being depleted by injuries over the festive period, Wolves were able to field a full squad that included new signings Paul Guede and Dejan Radojevic, and Caylin Raftopolous after he re-joined the squad after spending the first half of the season with the second team.

“We’ve got balance throughout the team now in every position and I like the way we’re looking right now”, said James. He added, “I’ve been happy with what we’ve been doing over the past month. We’ve had people out hurt and we’ve brought people in. We’ve got a nice, strong bench with everybody fit and healthy.”

Guede played an integral role in Friday’s win, sinking two crucial threes on the way to scoring sixteen points and nine rebounds, and James believes his impact has been key to Wolves’ recent winning run.

“Paul’s a quality player. He’s had a huge impact. It really takes the pressure of Chavis and Alex to have that one other person to score and to generally put the ball in the hole, and a great defensive player as well. He’s a great acquisition for the team”, said James.

Dejan Radojevic made his home debut on Friday after bagging 20 points and 8 rebounds in Sundays Trophy win over Durham. And, although James has admitted that the 6”11 Serbian needs time to adapt to the league, he is confident that he will provide much needed cover for Robert Thurman who has been struggling with an ankle injury in recent weeks.

Fridays win ensures that Wolves, who host Surrey United on Friday in the league before travelling to face a BBL Cup Trophy tie against the Riders, continue to pile on the pressure on the Newcastle Eagles in top spot as they continue their hunt for their first BBL league title.