WORCESTER Wolves head coach Chuck Evans is looking to mastermind his side’s first British Basketball League victory of the season when he takes his players to his old stomping ground tonight (7.30pm).
The University of Worcester-based outfit picked up their opening win of the campaign last weekend with a 78-71 BBL Cup success at Essex Pirates and Evans is looking to build on that victory at Everton Tigers, the side he played for last year.
Tigers, who finished runners-up last season, are looking to bounce back from two on-the-road defeats when they return to their Greenback Sports Academy base.
“We have a tough match with Everton. They will be inspired to perform well at home,” said Evans.
“We have to limit their best players offensively and force their secondary players to make plays.”
Evans is likely to hand Chey Christie more responsibility at point guard after deciding to look within his own squad for a replacement for Anthony Martin.
His return to Merseyside has got Evans’ former boss Tony Garbelotto intrigued about how he has adapted from being player to coach.
“It will be an interesting game against Worcester with the return of Chuck,” the Tigers head coach said. “I am excited to see him coach against us. His team has plenty of depth and, although we have a pretty big front-line, it will be interesting to see how they cope.”
After their trip north to Everton, Wolves return home tomorrow to face fellow strugglers London Capital (7pm).
The visitors to the University of Worcester saw off Leicester Riders last weekend — despite having been the league’s stragglers for so long.
It was that win and their previous performances this season that have made Evans sit up and take note.
“London have been performing well with their two Lithuanian players and Ibrahim Gariba playing well inside,” Evans said. “We need to get a win for our fans.
“The preparations have gone well and we are all learning from our mistakes as we continue to make significant strides.
“We were able to get our first win last week and, for us to beat Essex at their place, was a big accomplishment.
“We made mistakes but kept competing throughout the entire 40 minutes and were able to make the right plays at the end.
“Adjustments have been made that we think will help us improve.”
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