Wolves are hit by Prezzie-Blue work permit delay (From Worcester News)

Wolves are hit by Prezzie-Blue work permit delay

12:10pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Sport Exclusive By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

PLAYMAKER Sherrad Prezzie-Blue will miss Worcester Wolves ’ British Basketball League opener against Durham Wildcats tomorrow because of a work permit issue.

The 25-year-old American point-guard committed his future to the University of Worcester -based club during the summer but is still waiting for the green light.

He is out of the Durham clash at the Henwick Road venue (7pm) and is not certain to be in the country in time for the trip to Newcastle Eagles next Friday or Manchester Giants’ visit the day after.

It is frustrating for Wolves, who finished third in the Championship last season, but director of basketball Paul James believes they can cope, with new signings Alex Owumi, Stan Ocitti, Arturas Masiulis and Stuart Thomson all on board.

“Sherrad hasn’t arrived yet, we are still waiting on his work permit paperwork to show up before we can fly him in,” James said.

“Certainly this weekend and maybe even next weekend we might be without him but Alex is a bigger point guard so I am confident we can be fairly successful while we’re waiting for him.

“So far in practice, I’ve really liked what I’ve seen and once Sherrad is here as well I think we will be a stronger team than we were last year.

“I think we have got seven players who can all start depending on who we are playing.”

In addition to the new recruits, guard Karl Noyer, a 24-year-old New Zealander with a British passport, has linked up with the Wolves on trial and will also be a community coach.