WORCESTER Wolves play the second of four home matches in October tomorrow against bogey side Plymouth Raiders in the British Basketball League (4pm).
Coach Skouson Harker is expecting a better display from his team at the University of Worcester after a capacity crowd saw Wolves lose 92-77 to Scottish Rocks last Saturday.
But Wolves will need a first victory in eight attempts against Plymouth if they are to get off the mark this season.
Centre Justin Brown hopes to continue his impressive start as he is already second in the BBL for points scored at an average of 25 and has made the team-of-the-week for two weeks in a row.
Harker said: “We really need to focus on utilising our offensive sets and being patient with them.
“Right now, we are five individuals out there. I anticipated this with an entirely new squad other than myself.
“In reality, we have only been together for four days and have lots to work on. On Saturday, Justin had another fine game but, other than him, no-one showed up.
“We had a lot of guys out there with their faces on a milk carton as they seemed to go missing. But it will come and we do have the tools to work with.”
Wolves general manager Susie Hart expects another big turn-out tomorrow and urged fans to get there early with Raiders likely to bring a large following.
Hart said: “The defeat on Saturday was disappointing for the fans, who only saw us get close to winning the match against Rocks on a couple of occasions.
“Our team is still bedding down and in a way it is like pre-season as the new players are taking time to work in harmony with each other — but it will happen.”
Plymouth, who finished third in the table and the play-offs last season, also lost at home to Rocks last weekend — by an 88-66 scoreline.
The day before, the Devon side had hit back from behind to win 86-82 at London Capitals to make it two victories on the road following an opening success over newcomers Worthing.
Plymouth retained most of their talented squad from last season, including former Wolves favourite James Noel.
In contrast to Wolves’ big turn-over of players, centre Terence Durham, guard Drew Lasker and forwards Gaylon Moore and De Antoine Beasley have become household names at Raiders.
NBA tralist Kwbana Beckles and former Irish champion Patrick Fitzpatrick are two new signings in the forward department.
Plymouth coach Gary Stronach said: “It will be a difficult test at Worcester. They are a team who push the ball through and we will be in trouble if we do not play tough defence.”
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