HEAD coach Paul James is hoping Dejan Radojevic will step up to the plate for Worcester Wolves with Robert Thurman still troubled by an ankle injury.

The American centre was sidelined for three games at the end of December and has only featured twice this month.

He travelled to both matches at Bristol Flyers and Durham Wildcats last weekend but did not get on the court in either victory.

Thurman is once again unlikely to be heavily involved for tomorrow’s British Basketball League encounter with Sheffield Sharks at the University Arena.

But new signing Radojevic impressed in the BBL Trophy victory at Durham and will be tasked with repeating that display against the Sharks.

James said: “Dejan came in and played exceptionally well on Sunday against Durham and is starting to grow within our programme.

“The fact that Robert isn’t there at the moment isn’t a massive loss - although it is still a loss - as long as Dejan comes in and does what he did against Durham.

“He gives us a bit of variety, he is certainly different to Robert as a player and he gives us different looks on offence and on defence. He is a big guy so he can change some shots.”

The Wolves chief continued: “I’m pretty sure Robert will be back for Sheffield but I wouldn’t have thought he’d be playing 35 minutes or anything like that, he will be playing sparingly.

“I am pleased with where we are and Robert can take time and get back to fitness.”

Thurman is currently ranked third in the league’s rebound charts with an average of 11.3 from 14 matches. He is also the fourth highest average points scorer with 18.7 from 14 games.

n Paul James column: P38.