PAUL James has agreed a three-year deal to become Plymouth Raiders’ new head coach and director of basketball.

Plymouth have snapped up James who ended his eight-and-a-half-year reign as Worcester Wolves’ boss on Saturday.

The 53-year-old reunites with Raiders’ director and co-owner Richard Mollard at the Plymouth Pavilions.

The duo were two of the founding directors of the Guildford Heat, now Surrey Scorchers, in 2005.

During their time together they enjoyed considerable success, winning the BBL Cup and Championship in only their second season before completing the set with the BBL Trophy and play-offs the following year.

James said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join forces with Richard once more.

“Our time together at Guildford was an amazing and special one and I hope that we can recreate that.

“Both Richard and Ross (Mackenzie) are seriously passionate about the club and it’s infectious.

“They have done an incredible job off the court and the potential at the club with what they want to do in the future is huge.

“Plymouth Raiders’ supporters are amongst some of the best in the country and I’m going to be working hard to put a very competitive team on the floor and give them something to really cheer about.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of building the basketball programme across all levels of ability and especially getting started with the BBL team.”

Plymouth confirmed James had already started his recruitment drive and was set to make his first signing in “the next couple of days”.

Mollard said he was delighted to secure the services of James who guided Wolves to BBL Trophy and play-off glory in 2014.

“Having worked with Paul in Guildford, I know what a dedicated, professional and well respected coach he is and is the perfect person to lead us in this new era,” Mollard said.

“We interviewed a number of exceptional candidates from the UK and further afield.

“We were incredibly impressed with Paul’s passion and enthusiasm for the opportunity to revive not only the Raiders’ BBL playing fortunes, but to also take a lead in the rebuilding of the sport across the Devon and Cornwall region, as well as working on creating new pathway opportunities for the next generation of Raiders’ stars.”