DIRECTOR of basketball Paul James reckons his new-look Worcester Wolves team is improving all the time after watching them produce a business-like performance to see off a determined Reading Rockets 85-73.

All of the team’s summer signings featured in the University Arena friendly with Chavis Holmes, Remi Dibo, Donatas Visockis and Robert Thurman all hitting double figures alongside captain Alex Owumi.

James said: “I wanted a tough pre-season game and that’s what we got. Reading are a well-drilled team that could compete in the British Basketball League.

“I saw some very positive things out there and we are getting better every day.”

Reading grabbed three of the four trophies on offer in the second tier of British basketball last season and, having retained the majority of their championship-winning squad, the Rockets proved to be a stern pre-season test.

New point guard Holmes opened the scoring, followed by a couple of baskets for Wolves’ Canadian stalwart Jamal Williams.

French forward Dibo soon signalled that he will be a handy outside threat for his new club by sinking a triple of three-pointers, while American Thurman bustled inside for consecutive scores.

A wraparound shot from former Cheshire Phoenix centre Visockis established a 26-14 cushion for the hosts at the end of the first quarter.

Wolves captain Owumi opened his account as the second period began while, as it closed, guard Sean Park became the final debutant to get on the scoreboard.

While James continued to experiment with his line-up, Reading took their chance to make inroads into the 43-34 half-time deficit.

In the last minute of the third quarter they drew level at 59-59 and the teams were still tied at 63-63, before Holmes pounced for successive steals and scores as Worcester pulled away from their visitors.

Thurman delighted home supporters by slamming the ball through the hoop, putting the icing on a satisfying first outing for Wolves.

Worcester are next in action when they visit BBL newcomers Bristol Flyers on Thursday, September 18.

They begin their BBL campaign at defending champions Newcastle Eagles on Friday, September 26, before hosting Cheshire Phoenix at the arena seven days later.