Job done for Worcester and Coach James

Worcester Wolves BBL season opener saw them make the journey down to Guildford to take on Surrey United, with the Wolves dominating the game 117-60.

Surrey changed name and ownership this summer and also changed the roster completely with not one player from last season returning to dress for United. In contrast Paul James built a strong looking squad throughout the off-season and gave starting five spots to Zaire Taylor, Alex Owumi, Stefan Djukic, Will Creekmore and Jamal Williams, all of whom have several years playing experience.

The Wolves opened up the scoring with a 7-0 run, but the home side kept with them and made it back level at 12-12 within a short space of game time. One of the Wolves latest signings, Caylin Raftopoulos, a previous Surrey player himself, saw plenty of court time scoring almost immediately after stepping on the hardwood. Raftopoulos starting a 18-2 run that put the Wolves 32-14 in front. At half-time Worcester’s lead had increased to 34 points at 61-26.

Will Creekmore was able to establish a dominant game in the key, taking his stats to 34 points and 17 rebounds.

Surrey United were able to finish on somewhat of a positive note with 8 points late on in the game, and at the buzzer it was 117-60 Wolves.

Worcester coach Paul James said of the outing: “I was delighted with the way everyone applied themselves. We did what we had to do against a team that we had to put away. I’m sure we’ll have much harder games to come and this was a useful opener for us.

“I was delighted with the way everyone applied themselves. We did what we had to do against a team that we had to put away. I’m sure we’ll have much harder games to come and this was a useful opener for us.

“Their guys kept battling until the end. They’ve got one or two more players to come in and I’m sure things will improve once they arrive.”

Backing up Creekmore’s stat line were Zaire Taylor who put away 29 points, and with 9 assists almost bagged what would have been a deserved double-double. Last year’s team MVP Alex Owumi (13) and most exciting player Kalil Irving (11) both put double figures in the points column.

Wolves’ preparations are now set for this Friday as they make their BBL home debut in the new University of Worcester Arena against Leicester Riders, 7:30pm tip.