Worcester granted fixture break

The BBL has, as Britball forecast, allowed Worcester Wolves to postpone their next five fixtures - levying a fine against the crisis-hit club.

Their away fixture against Guildford this Saturday will now be replaced by a BBL Championship clash between the Heat and the Sheffield Sharks, with the Wolves’ next fixture away to the Sharks on the January 3 2010.

In a statement, the league said: "The club reported that following last weekend’s games, during a post match analysis session, Coach Charles Evans had allegedly used inappropriate remarks when addressing the players. Mr Evans was immediately suspended by the club and, following a review of the matter through the club’s Disciplinary Procedures, was given a formal warning. Subsequently, Mr Evans has resigned from his post.

"Six of the Wolves players are also currently the subject of ongoing disciplinary action by the Club due to a material breach of their playing contracts.In light of the above the Wolves club are not currently in a position to fulfill their next 5 fixtures and, in accordance with BBL Rules, have been fined."

The new dates for the postponed games will be finalised in the coming days.

.

Worcester drop Saunders

Struggling Worcester Wolves have released American guard Kenny Saunders after the club's disappointing start to the campaign.

Saunders played just 7 games, averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds.


“I expected a lot more from Kenny,” Evans said. “It just hasn’t worked out for him with us."

Wolves corner Karlikanovas

Worcester Wolves have signed 6'8" Lithuanian forward Nerijus Karlikanovas, who could make his debut this weekend.

Karlikanovas, now aged 33, attended Creighton University, and has previous Euroleague experience with Zalgris Kauna as well as a prior 26-game stint in the BBL with Guildford Heat.

"We are are still awaiting his clearance," said Wolves coach Chuck Evans. "Nerijus is a big Lithuanian who is going to add another dimension to our offensive plays. At 6ft 8ins he can hit three-pointers, but also he will draw the opposition’s defence out and that will allow us to try and get in behind them."

Evans claims Wolves improving

Worcester Wolves coach Chuck Evans has insisted he still has faith in his side – despite their horrific start to the campaign.

Evans’ rock-bottom men visit Essex in the BBL Cup on Saturday, still looking to replace the axed Anthony Martin.

With summer signing Randy George yet to reach full fitness, it all points to a mini-crisis in Worcester but the Wolves rookie boss is refusing to write off their chances.

“My team are vastly improving from week to week,” he claimed. “The players are working hard to get better, even though we have not won a game yet. I believe we are heading in the right direction and we are getting Randy George back to 100%, which is vital to the system we have in place.”

Bar raised as new campaign tips off

So after four months of eager anticipation (OK, perhaps mild longing), the new BBL season starts tonight with defending champions Newcastle getting us all under way against Cheshire at the Metro Arena.

Is anyone ready to break the Eagles' monopoly at the top of the tree? Talking to a lot of coaches and players this week, the answer - candidly - is no. However, looking at the rosters, and some pre-season insights, the message heading into this campaign is that there are more teams out there who could - in theory - beat anyone on any given night.

Discounting the ever-shambolic London Capital, and youthful newcomers Essex Pirates, and the 11 other teams appear to have come a little closer together than before.

Newcastle, despite the advantage they possess in continuity, are one down from last term. Everton have been forced into a late rush, and will field an almost wholly new line-up. Guildford and Plymouth are similarly less deep with Heat player-coach Chad McKnight having to learn his new trade on the job. And while the Glasgow Rocks (if they acquire a centre) and the Sheffield Sharks look improved, are either really good enough to challenge for the title?

That leaves Leicester, last season's upstarts, with the potential for leaping into the mix again despite the huge loss of Phil Missere. An unknown quantity again.

Worcester and Worthing, according to at least two rival coaches, will improve sheerly because of the change on the bench. Both should, our informal and unscientific survey says, challenge for a play-off spot.

Which leaves Milton Keynes and Cheshire. Both have opted largely for continuity with 1-2 new faces. At some point though, regeneration is required. I'm not sure either have done enough to mould themselves into a top-eight squad even if Lions coach Vince Macaulay has been talking up their chances.

So that takes us back to Newcastle. It's an easy choice after all. Proven quality, track record, off-court savvy. They may lose 10 games this year but there are multiple reasons why the Eagles remain our favourites. And that's why my money goes on them.

PREDICTED TABLE (check back in April to see how wrong it was)

1. Newcastle
2. Everton
3. Glasgow
4. Leicester
5. Sheffield
6. Plymouth
7. Worcester
8. Milton Keynes
---------------------
9. Guildford
10. Worthing
11. Cheshire
12. London
13. Essex