WORCESTER WOLVES

PLAYER MOVEMENTS, 2009-10

13-Jan

Giedrius Knysas agrees to come to Worcester

Wolves’ head coach Paul James has signed 6’ 10” Lithuanian Giedrius Knysas to strengthen his squad at Worcester.  Knysas was born in February 1987; he plays as a centre.

Knysas went to London Capital in September 2009 from Charleston Southern University, where he played for four years and averaged 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in his senior season.  His most productive year was in 2006/07, when he averaged 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 27 games.

In fourteen games for the Capitals games this season he has pulled down 7.9 rebs per game (placing him ninth in the BBL rebounding averages) and has scored a total of 153 points (10.9 p.p.g.).  

Coach James commented, “Giedrius, or ‘G’, is just the big man I have been looking for.  He is a smart player who is not afraid to mix it up in the post and is going to give the team that added rebounding and scoring presence that will help us move forward.  I’m hoping that he will be registered and cleared in time to take his place on the team for the Leicester Riders game tomorrow evening”

11-Dec

Wolves corral a couple of Bulls

WORCESTER Wolves' new head coach Paul 'PJ' James has secured the services of 26-year-old former Buffalo State Bulls swingman Danny Gilbert. Gilbert is a 6' 6" guard forward who, in his senior year (2004-05) was part of the memorable Buffalo Bulls team that went on an improbable run to the Mid-American Conference Championship, beating Western Michigan in the semi-finals. In the MAC final, the Bulls lost in overtime to Ohio University on a tip-in by Leon Williams with 0.5 seconds remaining. Gilbert, considered to be one of the best defenders to ever don a Bulls' jersey, averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals his senior season whilst also setting the school record for games played in a career (118).

Upon graduating in 2005, he went on to sign a professional contract German second division team FC Schalke. In his one season in Germany, Gilbert averaged 18 points per game.

For the 2006-07 season, Gilbert signed for Guildford Heat, who were only in their second year of existence. A major coup for the side, Gilbert became a pivotal player in leading the club to its first ever league championship in the BBL; he averaged an impressive 16.85 points in 33.85 minutes per game. The Heat also won the BBL Cup during this season.

He returned for a second season to lead the Heat into the ULEB Cup, the club's debut in European competition. He aided the team to their first trophy of the season, picking up the BBL Cup Winners' Cup. They went on to win the BBL Trophy and the Play-Off Championship, in which Gilbert picked up the MVP Award.

"As soon as I knew I was going to be appointed Head Coach of the Worcester Wolves the first player I contacted was Daniel Gilbert. I recruited Daniel to the Guildford Heat outfit and he has proved to be one of the most talented all round players I have ever worked with." PJ said. "He is an exceptional defender and can score in many ways. Daniel was a very valuable piece of the Heat successful jigsaw. I am very excited about working with him once again."

Gilbert is joined by former Buffalo Bulls team-mate, 27- year-old point guard Rod Middleton. Middleton joined the Bulls a year after Gilbert and went on to beat his playing record, appearing in 122 games. In his senior year he averaged 12 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He recorded an impressive 79% from the free throw line and 41% from long range.

Rod's professional career saw him play in both the German Pro A League for MBC and prior to that for Clermont in the French Pro A. Rod is a 6'3" 210 pound athletic and strong combo-guard Rod participated in the national Invitational Tournament (NIT) in 2004- 2005 where Buffalo reached the second round. He was named MAC Defensive player of the Year for the 2005-2006 season by "Streets and Smiths" magazine. He was also part of the most successful class in school history, winning 55 games.

PJ said "Rod is a great floor leader who likes to fast break. He has the ability to break down defences and get into lane creating shots for himself and others. Rod is a good defender who takes pride in his defence., He has a great work ethic and plays hard on both ends of the court for the entire game. Rod will be a great addition to the Wolves team because he brings commitment, passion and a winning attitude. He is a team player whose only goal is to win and be successful".

08-Dec

Wolves snap up PJ

One of the most successful coaches the British Basketball League has ever seen has been snapped up by the Worcester Wolves. In a dramatic turn of events the Wolves owner Roger Clarke has secured the services of coach James - known universally throughout British and European basketball as PJ.

As a player PJ made his league debut for his hometown club Leicester weeks after his 17th birthday and after a successful spell with them, he went on to play for nine years with the Bracknell Tigers and while at both these clubs throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s he won numerous BBL Championships, BBL Trophies and runners up medals. He represented England as a player and indeed went on to coach his country at all levels. PJ was head coach for the Tigers for 8 years from 1997.

In summer 2005 the Guildford Heat were formed and James was appointed Head coach. In just four years he led the franchise to every possible success in every domestic competition - the BBL play offs 2007 / 8; the BBL Trophy 2007 /8 and runners up 2008 /9; the BBL cup winners cup 2007 / 8 and 2008 /9 and the BBL Championship runners up in 2007 / 8.

In 2006 / 7 PJ was voted the BBL Coach of the year and has been a BBL coach for 12 years. It was this proven, successful, hard won experience at the very highest level that attracted Wolves boss Roger Clarke to PJ.

"PJ is out of the very top drawer of British coaches and with him joining the Wolves it shows to our loyal fans, and all other interested parties, that we are over the unfortunate incidents of the last few days. I am really happy at the speed in which we were able to tie up the details with Paul and by inviting one of the best coaches in the UK to work with the Wolves it shows our intentions very clearly. The fight back has begun in earnest and we aim not just to free wheel and complete the remainder of this season but also to try hard and really achieve something.

“Paul's first competitive game in charge in January will be in the same month as we launch our "10 years of the Worcester Wolves" programme and he is the most exciting signing we have ever made in our history."

Paul was delighted with his appointment. He said, "Having spoken with Roger Clarke it was an easy decision to make. There is a passion and tradition for basketball at all levels in Worcester and there is, in addition, ambition as well. We want the team to be challenging for BBL honours season after season and we hope to get better and better over the next few years.

“The potential here is huge and I sincerely hope to bring success to the club before too long. I can assure fans that the hard work of recruiting a team has started and I hope to start announcing players soon."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29-May

Chuck signs Chey ...

The Worcester Wolves Basketball Club has signed US guard Chey Christie as Coach Evans starts to build his team for the 2009-10 BBL season.

Christie began his college career with Clemson University in South Carolina in the NCAA Division 1 for whom he played 28 games per season.  The 26-year-old transferred from Clemson and graduated in 2006 from the University of South Alabama.  He played 31 games for the Jaguars leading them to the Sun Belt Conference championship title, where he was named the MVP of the tournament.  Chey is very athletic, a talented swingman and a natural shooter.  He was selected to represent the USA in the 2001 Global Games where he averaged over 15 p.p.g. in five games while shooting 11 for 18 from behind the arc.  Christie is a hard worker and a very determined player who comes from a military family.

In 2007-08 Chey played five games with Örebro BK in Sweden, three of which where in the regular season and two at the Final Four.  In the regular season he averaged 21.3 p.p.g, 4.7 r.p.g. and 2.0 s.p.g. in 31 m.p.g, while at the Final Four he was voted the MVP of the semi-final and averaged 19.5 p.p.g, 8.0 r.p.g, 2.0 a.p.g and 2.0 s.p.g. in 35 m.p.g.

Wolves Head Coach Chuck Evans commented “Chey is like a quiet assassin, very efficient offensively, and able to score in a variety of ways from different locations on the court.”

... and Saunders

The Worcester Wolves Basketball Club have signed US guard/forward Kenneth Saunders for the 2009-10 BBL season.

Saunders is a graduate in 2007 from Fort Valley State University in Georgia, where he had established himself as a very athletic player with a consistent 15ft jump shop and a good 3 point shot.  He likes to attack the basket and is also a good defender.

Since graduation Kenneth has played in the Swiss 1st division for Meyrin Grand-Saconnex where he scored 12 p.p.g. (with a 62% hit rate) and pulled down 4 rebs per game.  He toured China with Baseline Sports, playing 16 games and averaging 14 p.p.g. and 5 rebs p.g.  He has recently been playing for Cartersville Warriors in the WBA.

Wolves new Head Coach Chuck Evans said, “Kenny is an athletic wing player. He can score from the outside and inside but also cause problems for the opposing team defensively.”  He added, “Chey Christie and Kenny complement each others style of play and each bring different elements to our team structure.”

Club Chairman, Roger Clarke commented, “We are pleased at the way that Chuck has settled into his task. We appreciate the detailed and strategic approach that he has applied to the recruitment process and we are excited at the prospect of the forthcoming season with our revised club structure.”

19-May

Wolves Chuck in a new coach

Worcester Wolves are pleased to announce that Chuck Evans will be returning to the club as the Head Coach of the BBL team. Evans will be rejoining the team in this position after spending a successful season with Worcester Wolves as a player in 2007/08.

During the past season Evans had playing spells with BiG Storage Cheshire Jets and the Everton Tigers and significantly, before coming to England he has enjoyed a fantastic playing career that included playing at the highest level throughout Europe.

Chuck is extremely excited about this new challenge and commented: 'I am delighted with the coaching opportunity given to me by Worcester Wolves. The collaboration between the Worcester Wolves and the University of Worcester has enormous growth potential. My team will utilise the resources provided for academic and athletic success. Worcester Wolves are energised for the challenge that faces them next season. The support system for the Club is tremendous from volunteers, to back office staff. Everyone has the same vision for the success of the team and the club as a whole.

In a related move Skouson Harker has stepped down as Player/Coach with the BBL team after two seasons with the Club. Harker was responsible for the sharp turnaround in the 2007/08 season which saw the Wolves finish in their highest British Basketball League position and also make the Play Offs. His passionate leadership on the court ensured that the necessary changes proved to be a key factor as the Wolves established themselves within the British Basketball League.

After a season plagued with injury and frustration for many of the players and the coaching staff, Harker has decided to put all of his effort into playing for the Worcester based team next season. The Wolves management and Harker agreed that the club are now at the stage when a full time coach for the BBL team is needed to meet the challenges of the elite league. Harker will continue to take the lead within the club's and University player development and community coaching structure.

Worcester Wolves Chairman, Roger Clarke commented: "We know a great deal about Chuck and witnessed his leadership skills as a player and learnt about his coaching philosophy during his time on the Masters program. We are excited about his future involvement with the BBL team and believe that he will help to take us to the next level. We also have the added bonus of keeping one of the most exciting players in the BBL in Skouson Harker, whose commitment and playing ability has never been in doubt."

Harker explained the rationale behind the decision: "The Wolves have now laid some firm foundations and I have enjoyed playing my part in that; I still have a great deal to offer on the court and believe that I can best serve the Wolves with a clearer focus on playing. I am still excited about leading the community and development coaching within the Academy"