WOLVES head coach Paul James believes this season’s British Basketball League is one of the strongest yet.

Worcester, who finished third last term as well as winning the play-offs and BBL Trophy, are currently sixth this time around having won two of their three matches.

Only leaders Leicester Riders remain unbeaten in the 13-team competition, while debutants Bristol Flyers are hot on their heels with three wins from four.

Surrey United, who Wolves host tonight (7.30pm), won just four times in the previous campaign but already have one victory to their name in 2014-15.

Wolves broke the 100-point barrier in all three matches against Surrey last season but James reckons the opposition is improving all the time and is not expecting as many one-sided contests.

Asked if the league was stronger this season, he said: “I think so. Everybody, with the exception of Leicester, have lost a game already.

“Already you can see that if you don’t prepare well, you’re going to lose games so it’s putting a lot of pressure on coaches and teams to make sure they do prepare well and perform.

“I like that fact and every game this year is going to be competitive with hopefully no blow-out games. That challenge is there for everybody to take on.”

Worcester have not played since the surprise 93-83 defeat at Manchester Giants on Sunday, October 5, and are back at the University Arena for only the second time this season.

They saw off highly-fancied Cheshire Phoenix 83-67 two weeks ago and are keen to return to winning ways in front of their own fans tonight.

James, who has everybody fit for selection following several intensive training sessions in recent days, said: “We had a great crowd in for the Cheshire game and hopefully they’ll be back out supporting us again against Surrey.

“We really do need them to come out and get behind the team, the players really respond to that — there’s another energy level when we’ve got a big crowd in.

“Hopefully, we can give them something to smile about and take home.”

Wolves head to cellar-dwellars Leeds Force next Friday and will now host Bristol Flyers in the BBL Cup on Friday, October 31, after the league newcomers defeated Plymouth Raiders 93-92.