WORCESTER Wolves head coach Paul James has described Alex Owumi as one of the best players he has ever worked with.

The in-form guard has enjoyed a fine debut season for Worcester and underlined his ability with a starring role in last weekend’s narrow 148-141 aggregate defeat to Leicester Riders in the British Basketball League Trophy semi-final.

After scoring 29 points and grabbing six rebounds in the 82-73 first leg loss at the University of Worcester, Owumi added another 29 points in the 68-66 second leg victory 24 hours later, which included 12 rebounds.

Those efforts have earned him a place in the BBL team of the week for the fifth time this season as well as praise from his coach.

“It was a monstrous weekend for him,” James said. “Alex is one of those guys who wants to win badly and you could see that in his performances – not just offensively but he was guarding the other team’s best player as well and getting rebounds.

“Scoring 29 points in both games against supposedly the best defence in the league just shows the talent he has. He’s exceptionally tough and it’s a pleasure to have him on the team.

“He was a real warrior for us and he’s got to be one of the best players I have had the pleasure of working with.

“It was a great weekend for him and hopefully he can continue to do that throughout the season.”

Owumi is joined in the team of the week by Surrey Heat pair Travis Holmes and Frank Holmes, Joe Chapman of the Newcastle Eagles and Glasgow Rocks’ Jamie Vanderbeken.