WORCESTER Wolves hope to add another American star to their ranks within the next 10 days.

The University College Worcester team are currently running the rule over three players to fill Wolves' second non-national place as they aim to better last season's fourth spot in England Basketball League Division One.

Director of basketball Mick Donovan and owner Roger Clarke recently re-turned from Lithuania following a five-day trip viewing 15 players -- ultimately leading to the signature of Valdas Urbonavicius.

But Josh Cooprider's promotion to head coach, and his subsequent decision to retire from playing, has left Wolves with a key vacancy.

Fellow American Ty Shaw currently occupies one berth, while new utility recruit Urbonavicius is not classed as non-national because Lithuania is now part of the European Union.

Wolves are keeping tabs on a trio of shooting guards from the States and are in the process of doing their homework.

"We have had long conversations with the US coaches so we are not going in blind," Donovan said.

"Now it's a matter of viewing the DVDs to confirm their thoughts. In Josh's words, they are better than him."

Donovan confirmed the signing will be Worcester's last overseas addition as the team has many exciting home-grown prospects in the form of Ben Potts, Mike Peake and Rob Clarke.

In addition, 23-year-old guard Sean Robinson is finishing his studies at UCW from September and will be fighting for a first team place.

He has been gaining valuable experience with British Basketball League outfit Newcastle Eagles.

Small forward Danny Williams, aged 18, is also coming to study following a two-year spell at the North East Academy in Durham.

New head coach Cooprider believes the moves can only strengthen Wolves' ability to remain a driving force in English basketball, but admits their path to the top will be difficult.

"I'm really excited. I think the potential is there but every other team in the competition also has that goal," said Cooprider

Meanwhile, seven-foot centre Clarke has spent three days at a national training camp in Sevenoaks, Kent.

He was handed a surprise call-up to join the England senior squad who are currently building towards next summer's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Potts and Clarke lined up against each other earlier this week when the English Universities side, featuring Potts, was drafted in to give the England team a work out.