HEAD coach Paul James says fit-again forward Ben Eaves has given Worcester Wolves a welcome boost after returning three weeks ahead of schedule.

Eaves featured for the first time in more than two months when he came off the bench during Wolves’ 79-74 victory over Manchester Giants at the weekend.

Speaking ahead of last Friday’s trip to Newcastle Eagles in the BBL Trophy semi-final, James said Eaves was still a few weeks away from being available for selection.

However, after coming through a university match unscathed in midweek, the Wolves boss admitted he was happy to include the former Manchester ace, who has been recovering from surgery on his thumb.

“Ben didn’t play against Newcastle as I thought that would have been too much too soon,” James said.

“But I thought I would throw him in there against Manchester and he did pretty well.

“He is still a bit ring-rusty right now and missed a couple of shots he would normally make but that’s understandable.

“He is about two or three weeks ahead of schedule, so I am really delighted to have him back.”

After Eaves suffered the injury, Wolves maintained their push in the British Basketball League and the BBL Trophy with seven victories in 11 games.

But James said they had missed the 28-year-old’s aggression on court and he was confident his side would improve once he returned to full fitness.

“He is probably one of our better athletes in terms of rebounding,” said James, who is expected to field Eaves against Sheffield Sharks in the BBL at the University of Worcester Arena on Friday night (7.30pm).

“He is quite aggressive and can shoot three-pointers.

“Before he got hurt, he was probably playing some of his best basketball since he has been back in the BBL, so it was a shame.

“We are looking for him to recapture that form as quickly as he can because he is only going to help the team.”