INFLUENTIAL point-guard Matt Collins has confirmed that he will again be playing for newly-promoted British Basketball League club Wor-cester Wolves this season.

After moving to Worcester from Coventry in January 2005, Collins played 12 games for Wolves, averaging 10.8 points and four rebounds per game. He was also their most successful free-throw shooter with 81.4 per cent.

Last season, Collins played a major role in all 38 games, averaging 11.92 points, 3.8 rebounds and four steals per game. He was also top free-throw shooter again with a success rate of 82.2 per cent.

Wolves managing director, Roger Clarke, said: "We are absolutely delighted to keep Matt on board. He made such a huge impact once he joined us last season. He will be an integral part of the new-look Worcester Wolves team."

Worcester have also retained the services of Valdas Urbon-avicius, their 6ft 6ins player from Lithuania. The 24-year-old played a shooting guard/ small forward role for the Wolves last season and is a proven long-range shooter as well as being strong defensively and a solid rebounder.

Urbonavicius played in 37 games for Worcester last season, averaging 17.6 points per game, making him the club's second top scorer. He recorded 2.62 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Clarke said: "Valdas is an exciting player and caused our rivals problems last season. I am confident that he will continue to do so in the BBL."

Wolves head coach Josh Cooprider added: "We are excited to keep two key players who both made excellent contributions in the EBL. I am confident that they will make a meaningful impact in the BBL."

New American signings James Noel and Sean Nelson are due to fly in next week.