WORCESTER Wolves director of basketball Paul James believes the British Basketball League title race could go right down to the wire.
Approaching the Christmas run of fixtures, Wolves sit in second place after winning eleven of their first 14 games of the 2013/14 campaign and are in contention to win their first BBL Championship title since joining the BBL seven years ago.
This year’s BBL Championship title is one of the most open in recent years with just four points separating the top five teams going into this weekend’s fixtures.
Wolves face fifth-placed London Lions on Friday (December 20) at the University of Worcester Arena knowing victory could put them six points clear against one of their title rivals.
Speaking ahead of the game, James said the Championship may not be decided until the very last weekend of the season in April.
“As long as teams stay healthy it looks like it will be a battle right up to the last weekend of the season and I’m thrilled that Wolves are in the thick of it,” he said.
“London are probably the deepest team (in the BBL). For example they have Julius Joseph as tenth man coming in off their bench, and everyone knows what a good player he is. They can be there or thereabouts.”
And James has cast his eye over Wolves’ other title contenders ahead of the festive fixtures.
SHEFFIELD SHARKS – 1st place – Won 11, Lost 2
“Sharks have had consistency, with many of their players returning. They still have to play us and Leicester twice, as well as Newcastle three times so, although they should stay in contention, they still have to play a lot of games against the top teams.”
LEICESTER RIDERS – 3rd place – Won 10, Lost 2
“They are a hard nut to crack, with probably the best defence in the league. While offensively they might not have quite the scoring threats they had last season, they are still an imposing force who won’t give up their title easily.”
NEWCASTLE EAGLES – 4th place – Won 10, Lost 3
“Year in and year out they have been up at the top. They are a solid team driven by an excellent coach in Fab Flournoy, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, with his teams playing in the same manner.”
