WORCESTER Wolves believe new signing Malik Smith can become the club’s new ‘driving force’.
American guard Smith has been recruited by Wolves head coach Paul James as part of his summer rebuilding process after a disappointing campaign last season, resulting in all but one player leaving the squad.
The 6ft 2ins Smith attended Florida International University, where he averaged 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game, before transferring to Minnesota University and stepping up to the heights of playing in the highly competitive NBA D-League last season for Iowa Energy.
Smith said: “I’m really blessed and excited about the opportunity in place with the Worcester Wolves. I’m looking forward to helping the club reach its goals of competing for a title.
“Coach James seems like a great coach. I’m sure his system will fit my style of play very well and it will be an easy transition for me from the NBA D-League to the BBL.”
Perris Blackwell has also joined the Wolves as the team begins to take shape for the forthcoming season.
The 6ft 9ins Blackwell becomes the third signing the club have made this summer.
Blackwell said: “I’m really excited and looking forward to joining the team and having a chance to compete for a championship.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to play for the club and can’t wait to get over and get to work.”
The American has played at elite college level with the University of Florida from 2009 to 2012, averaging 13 points and seven rebounds per game in his final season.
In 2012, he transferred to the University of Washington where he once again put up some impressive numbers, before beginning his professional career playing in Chile for Osorno, where he averaged an impressive 20 points and 12 rebounds per game.
The Wolves will play their first British Basketball League home game on Friday, September 18 against the Glasgow Rocks.