TONIGHT marks the start of an exciting era for Worcester Wolves as they host their first match at the brand new 2,000 capacity University of Worcester Arena.
Paul James’ side welcome BBL reigning champions Leicester Riders to the new Hylton Road complex in the much-anticipated clash starting at 7.30pm.
Worcester will be looking to follow on from their brilliant season-opening victory over Surrey United last weekend by beating arguably the best team in British basketball.
Leicester, who were also crowned BBL Cup and BBL Play-Off winners last season, go into the historic clash on the back of a 90-56 season-opening victory against newcomers Birmingham Knights.
Speaking to the Standard ahead of the big game, Paul James said he hoped his players would not let the memorable occasion get the better of their performance.
“It will be our first game at the Arena, hopefully in front of a full house, so it will be a very special occasion for all associated with the club,” he said.
“The game is made even more special by having Leicester here who won the league, play-offs and cup last year and are on a real high following a fantastic season.
“But at the end of the day we have got a job to do and want to go out there and perform. Leicester will come hard at us so we will have to deal with that and focus on our own game.”
Worcester will hope to repeat events in April when they beat Leicester in convincing fashion towards the end of last season after
Wolves’ new signing Will Creekmore, who scored more than 30 points in the victory over Surrey, was also looking forward to the contest.
“We know that Leicester is going to be a tough challenge and we need to be ready for a much tougher game,” he said.
“I know that they won pretty much everything there was to win last year. For me personally, I am just going to focus on doing my job in the post and I know my team-mates will be ready as well.”
