Wolves bid to turn off the Heat

6:30pm Friday 1st February 2008

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WORCESTER Wolves must create one of the biggest upsets in British basketball history if they are to reach the final of the BBL Trophy, according to their director of basketball Mick Donovan.

Wolves travel to the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield, tomorrow (3.30pm) for their semi-final against reigning BBL champions Guildford Heat.

But Donovan is confident the University of Worcester-based side can rise to the challenge and reach the final.

He said: "A Wolves win would be seen by many as one of the biggest upsets ever but, within the camp, we know it is something we are capable of achieving.

"This group of players have gelled really well together in a short time and the coaching staff have to take a lot of credit for that.

"Tomorrow's game is absolutely massive for our club and if we can settle and play with no fear there is a genuine belief that we can do it.

"The buzz around the club this week has been fantastic and we are proud and excited to be putting our Wolves on the big stage."

Wolves suffered injury scares to Shaun Durant and Ben Potts this week but both have been cleared to travel to Sheffield with the squad.

Donovan said: "Shaun has not fully recovered from injury but is desperate to play some part and he will travel to play.

"Ben came through a fitness test this week and will also make the trip."

Reassuringly for Wolves, 6ft 9ins Slovakian Ivan Brosko has had an extra week to train with his new team-mates and is likely to play a major role.

Wolves' head coach Skouson Harker has highlighted the signing of James Life as the catalyst for his side reaching the semi-final.

Now he hopes the American shooting guard can play a big part in Wolves going one better and reaching the final.

Harker said: "Since we signed James, I don't think he'd had an off-night before we played Plymouth last week.

"That's a bit frightening as a coach because no-one can play well every night.

"We also have to remember that we have some other very talented individuals in the team who are all capable of being match-winners."

Wolves lost 95-77 at Plymouth Raiders in the BBL last Sunday.