TOWERING centre Robert Thurman is intent on making Worcester Wolves even more successful than they were last season.

The 6ft 10ins American has made an impressive start to his career in England and has been named in the first two British Basketball League teams of the week.

Wolves have won two of their opening three matches as they attempt to continue their progress following a season that saw them win the BBL Trophy and prestigious play-offs.

Thurman not only believes that is possible but is determined to improve on the amount of silverware for the University Arena club in the 2014-15 campaign.

“I personally want to surpass anything they did last year,” he said. “They won two trophies, I want to try to get three or four. That’s just how I am and I think that’s how everyone else feels.

“I think we’re capable of doing that if we just put our heads down and play.”

Thurman, who arrived at Worcester following spells in Denmark and Germany, was recommended to director of basketball Paul James by fellow American centre Will Creekmore, who was second in the league’s most valuable player poll last term.

The 25-year-old, who will also be studying for a masters in education at the University of Worcester, said: “Will just told me how things went with him, how he liked it and how I could substitute in and take his role on the team.

“I wanted a team that was in a winning position and Worcester wanted a big man who could do multiple things, so it was kind of a no-brainer.

“Plus, I’m getting my masters degree as well and not many clubs offer that, so it was definitely influential in my decision.”

But, for all the positives surrounding the new-look Wolves, Thurman reckons the 93-83 defeat to Manchester Giants last Sunday sounded a warning against complacency following victories over Newcastle Eagles and Cheshire Phoenix.

He said: “I think the Manchester game was a little bit of wake-up call for us and I personally would rather have that happen early rather than later when the game is more important.

“It was a lapse in our judgment, we didn’t play as hard and as well as we probably should have, but besides that we have a good team chemistry and things are looking better and better every day.”

Thurman added: “I think my team-mates have done a good job finding me when I’m open and I’m just doing what I’m best at, which is finishing and playing hard and rebounding.

“That’s how I’ve had this good start.”

Wolves, who were without a game at the weekend, return to action this Friday when they entertain Surrey United.