WORCESTER Wolves head coach Paul James has signed former Worthing Thunder power forward Petroslav Zafirov.

The capture of the ex-Bulgaria Under 20 international takes James’ signings to five at the British Basketball League outfit since taking the reins.

When taking charge of the University of Worcester-based side, James was left with only four players - Harry Disy, Siman Stewart, Roy Owen and Damian Cope - following the sacking of Skouson Harker, Nerijus Kalikonavas, Evaldas Zabas, Vidmantas Uzkuratitis, Chey Christie and Randy George in the midst of a ‘racism’ row that saw then head coach Chuck Evans resign.

Zafirov, also known as Pepe, was released by Worthing last Friday and James wasted little time is securing his signature.

He has spent the past two seasons playing in the Bulgarian National League for their two best teams - Lukoil Academic and Levski Sofia, before finishing last season at Sliven, where he averaged 13 points and six rebounds per game.

Prior to that, Zafirov spent four years in the USA studying, where he had one year at a NCAA Division One college, Tennessee State, and another 12 months at a NAIA school, Mountain State.

During the early part of this season at Worthing, the 27-year-old averaged 13 points per game.

James said: “Pepe has all the playing credentials to be a very effective player in the BBL.

“He has good size at six foot eight and can play inside or out, which will give the Wolves many options.

“It’s clear that the playing style at Worthing was something very different than he was used to.

“But I’m hoping here at Worcester and the style in which we will be playing, that Pepe will regain the good form he showed at the start of the season and show his true potential.”