WORCESTER Wolves’ hopes of bolstering their squad before Christmas have been dashed after a deal to sign a new player fell through.

Head coach Paul James revealed he was close to adding a new face before negotiations broke down ahead of Wolves’ British Basketball League clash against Bristol Flyers last Friday.

However, James insisted he was “happy” with the “balance” of his team who lost 81-74 to struggling Bristol at the University of Worcester Arena.

“Unfortunately the deal we had for the player we were trying to get has fallen through but it is one of those things that couldn’t be helped,” James said.

“We are happy with where we are at right now and with what we have.

“If somebody else does come out of the woodwork and is going to fit into what we are doing and not disrupt us then we will certainly look at it.”

Wolves have benefitted from the arrival of Maurice Walker with James saying the 6ft 10in Canadian had made an “unbelievable impact” since joining last month.

He reached double figures in points and rebounds for the fifth successive game against Bristol.

“Obviously we want to enhance the team but we have got quality players here and we are starting to play some really good basketball, so it wasn’t like we desperately needed to bring this person in,” James continued.

“It does not always run smoothly with negotiations but I am delighted with what we have.

“Mo has come in and made an unbelievable impact on the team and on the league, so we are a happy camp right now.”

James, whose side return to competitive action on Friday, December 30 (7.30pm), with a home tie against Plymouth Raiders, added: “I think the balance of the team is good and we are now in a situation where we go into every game feeling like we can win if we play well.

“We have good players in every position now and Mo has made a difference to us both offensively and defensively as he has freed up other guys to play to their strengths as well.”