WORCESTER Wolves director of basketball Paul James has warned his team not to take anything for granted as they bid to win the BBL Cup for the first time.
Wolves host BBL newcomers Bristol Flyers tomorrow (Friday, 7.30pm) knowing victory will put them into the semi-finals of the competition – a step closer to another domestic final following their unforgettable triumphs in the BBL Trophy and BBL Playoffs last season.
Despite losing three consecutive games, Bristol have made a steady start to life in British Basketball’s top flight gaining wins against Plymouth Raiders, Glasgow Rocks and the Manchester Giants in their debut season.
And James is determined for the club to build on last year’s success and has warned his players to be ready for a tough encounter.
“Bristol have had a great start to the BBL season. It’s their first season in the league and they’ve already beaten some big teams so we’re not taking anything for granted whatsoever,” he said.
“The pressure’s on us to go out there and deliver. Hopefully we come out and play the great defence we did against Leeds last weekend and put an offensive performance together to win us through to the semi-final.”
Last season Wolves fans had to clock on the mileage as the team reached the finals of the BBL Trophy and BBL Playoffs which were held in Glasgow and London respectively.
But with the BBL Cup final being held in Birmingham’s NIA Arena in January, a place in the showpiece finale could mean even more fans will make the shorter trip to to roar them on in a domestic final.
James added: “It’s a massive incentive (a Birmingham based final) but our focus is well and truly on the next game and winning through hopefully to the semi-final, and then we’re two games away from the final so we’ll be giving this game everything we have.”