WORCESTER Wolves are hoping tonight's National Trophy home clash with Coventry Crusaders (7pm) will give them a chance to justify some big summer decisions.

Major changes in coaching staff and playing personnel took place during the close season as Wolves put the emphasis on younger players for their second season in England Basketball League Division One.

Josh Cooprider stepped up from captain to head coach as Jimmy Smith and Rick Solvason moved on, while Andrew Harper, Valdas Urbonavicius, Paulius Augulis, Danny Williams and Joshua Oladimeji all joined the squad.

Renaldo Edmondson, Rikki Prince and Barry Lamble also departed after being unable to hold down regular first-five positions. Ironically, the trio have ended up at Birmingham Bullets, who play in the higher-ranked British Basketball League.

That makes Wolves average age just 24, but director of basketball Mick Donovan has no reservations about the stance Wolves have taken.

Changes

He said: "We made big changes in the summer and we are desperate to prove we did the right thing. We really believe in what we have got.

"There are so many new players and such a new team, it's going to take time. The supporters have been great, they know what we are trying to do."

A Wolves victory against Coventry would make it 12 games unbeaten against the Crusaders in all competitions over the past three seasons.

And Donovan wants the team to push on from last week's National Cup win over Filton Flyers and the previous Trophy success against Solent Stars.

He said: "The last two games we have won but we are still gelling with new players. Each practice we are looking sharper and we are hoping this week we start showing our potential.

"There are big games coming up so we have got to click soon."

American shooting guard Andrew Harper trained with the team on Thursday and is set to make his first start, with Ben Potts the man likely to make way.