EXCITED head coach Paul James is looking forward to seeing Worcester Wolves’ new sharp-shooters and up-tempo style of play in action this season.

Wolves begin their new British Basketball League campaign with a home clash against Cheshire Phoenix tomorrow night (7.30pm).

And James insists he is “super excited” by his new-look team having defeated Sheffield Sharks last Friday and secured back-to-back victories over Bristol Flyers at the weekend in friendlies.

“We have had the best pre-season we have had in a while and the players who have come in have really bought into the system,” he said.

“There is a lot of spirit in the team and we have been training and playing hard.

“Right now, things are looking pretty good.”

Summer signings Andrew Bachman, Alejandro Navajas, Deondre McWhorter, Trevor Setty, Danny Huffor, Jermel Kennedy and Marek Klaasen all got court-time along with Ashton Khan, the only surviving member of last season’s squad.

Wolves have also used the pre-season games to practice their long-range shooting and their revamped game-style.

James said he was delighted with his players’ efforts.

“It’s been excellent as we have been shooting extremely well,” he said, “Against Sheffield, we made 11 threes, shooting 39 per cent. Against Bristol on Saturday, we made 16 threes, shooting 40-odd per cent.

“And against Bristol on Monday, we made 14 threes, shooting 40-something per cent, so that is high-scoring percentage from long range.

“And that’s not just one player as well. That’s four or five who can shoot well and that is going to give us plenty of options this coming season.”

James said he was “not surprised” by how well his new recruits have adapted to life at Wolves.

“We did our homework really well and we were very careful and thorough about the way we recruited and the calibre of players we brought in,” said James, whose side also travel to reigning champions Leicester Riders on Sunday (4pm).

“We wanted some characters and we wanted guys with spirit and that’s what we have got.

“Some of them have been to championships and won things while others have played at higher levels.

“But we have also got some rookies as well, so I think we have got the right balance.

“We have also spoken to all of them about what we wanted from this season.

“We want to play up-tempo basketball with guys who can shoot three-pointers well and that’s what we have got.

“So I am really excited about the prospect of this season.”