Wolves at Heat – BBL Championship Preview

BBL Championship – Sunday 7 October 2012

Worcester Wolves travel to Surrey on Sunday to face a Heat side reeling from a close defeat to the Lions Friday.

The loss was Surrey’s first in the three games after wins against the Tigers and the Sheffield Sharks. Chavis Holmes and Sam Cricelli have been the early points leaders on the roster backed up by Martelle McLemore and the veteran Julius Joesph. Cricelli had a quiet night against London, but all three of McLemore, Holmes and Joseph kept the Heat in the contest until the buzzer. Holmes led the Heat scorers with 24 points.

Coach Paul James will be expecting a tough game at 3pm on Sunday and Worcester can expect a physical matchup against Coach Raftopoulos’ programme. A set up that has seen the introduction of his son Caylin Raftopoulos this season, and there are good noises around the league about the young guards future potential.

Playing point guard for Worcester in the continued absence of Sherrad Prezzie-Blue is Alex Owumi. The Nigerian born Owumi, has been the standout player for Wolves in their opening games with several 20 plus point performances. After a third quarter comeback against Newcastle (ultimately ending in defeat) and the first win of the campaign last Saturday at home to Manchester, this new look Wolves side will go in to the game in confident mood.

Paul James has assembled a deeper roster in terms of talent for 2012/13 and is also not afraid to give minutes to the youngsters coming through from Worcester’s coaching programme. The England boss has also added experience in the form of 32 year old centre Masiulis. The Lithuanian isn’t in the mould of Richie Gordon in terms of point scoring, but his ability to occupy defenders and get to the basket could be a big plus for the Wolves on Sunday.

Last season’s Worcester went unbeaten against last season’s Heat, but these aren’t the same sides doing battle this weekend. The two coaches know each other well and the rosters look to be well matched in terms of ability, so the Heat fans can expect a close one again.