WORCESTER Wolves suffered a humbling early exit from the British Basketball All-Stars Championship — but head coach Ty Shaw insisted: “We are happy no one got hurt”.

Worcester were among eight British Basketball League teams competing in the fast-paced event at London’s Copper Box Arena.

But to the frustration of Wolves’ travelling supporters Shaw’s side crashed out in the double elimination stage.

They were thrashed 45-6 by hosts London Lions before slumping to a 49-17 defeat to eventual winners Surrey Scorchers who scooped the top prize of £25,000.

But Shaw was not overly worried by his team’s showings in the two 12-minute games that featured an array of innovations including a five-point shot line and a golden buzzer power play.

And with Wolves returning to British Basketball League action on Friday at home to Manchester Giants (7.30pm) Shaw was pleased his players came away unscathed.

“I think it was a great weekend as we had a great practice on Saturday and no one got hurt on Sunday,” he said.

On his side’s performances, Shaw continued: “I would be more concerned about it if we were playing with basketball rules.

“But we were playing with different rules designed for some fun.

“We took some shots in the first game that didn’t go.

“If they had landed then all of a sudden we have 30 or 35 points.

“This was a fun event but the bigger focus for us is getting better as a team.”

It was the second year of the tournament run by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport and was televised around the world.

Shaw said there were a “few logistical things” that needed to be looked at but refused to say what they were.

“There are a lot of chances to showcase basketball to grow and develop the sport,” he said.

“I think there are different ways to do that. Sometimes the organisation and the structure of things make it tough for those things to happen.

“I think there are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes so for us it was an experience and we are happy no one got hurt.

“It was a good experience for some people but every coach is going to have a different take on it.

“I know a few guys got hurt on different teams. Hopefully none of those are long-term injuries, you don’t wish that on anybody.

“I was really happy that we went, had the experience and nobody was in worse shape than when we arrived.”

When the event was launched in 2017 it was staged on the eve of the season while this year it took place three weeks into the campaign.

“This was the first event that I have been a part of which (took place) after the first few games,” Shaw added.

“I think every league does it differently based on what they feel is going to be great for fans.

“I think there will definitely be some conversations as far as when they would like to do it but it is up to them.

“To have Sky (Sports television) there was fantastic and all the teams being in one place is good but everybody reflects on an event like that differently.”