Kazlauskas: Wolves are genuine contenders (From Worcester News)

Kazlauskas: Wolves are genuine contenders

10:00am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Worcester Wolves By Steve Carley - Midlands Sports Journalist of the Year 2013, @stevecarleyWN

LITHUANIAN powerhouse Arnas Kazlauskas believes Worcester Wolves have made huge strides this season — and will continue to do so as the jostling for position hots up.

Having endured disruption to the start of their British Basketball League campaign, when influential point guard Sherrad Prezzie-Blue missed a third of the matches due to visa issues, Wolves are now genuine top-four contenders.

With the addition of Kai Williams to the ranks as well, they are beginning to make up for lost time and currently sit fifth in the table, ahead of Friday’s visit of London Lions (7.30pm) and Sunday’s trip to Durham Wildcats (4pm).

Kazlauskas feels the team chemistry has greatly improved as a result and is hoping it stays that way.

The power forward, whose side are also still in the BBL Trophy, said: “It was a tough start but with Prezzie coming in we just try to understand each other better and take maximum points from every game.

“We have changed a lot. I think now we have more understanding so we can create a bigger effort in offence and defence with these guys. We are a much better side.

“For me, it’s important to find our best team and after every game to improve. Of course we have some aims but now we are just looking at the smaller things and how to create the best team for the future.

“I feel we have players of a high level and we can improve with these players.”

Wolves will be looking to consign last Saturday’s 89-82 defeat at title-chasing Leicester Riders to history and Kazlauskas says they have taken steps towards that.

“We have watched the video to understand at which point we were stronger, why we lost and to learn from the mistakes to move forward,” the 36-year-old said.

Wolves have now switched their home matches to Friday nights in preparation for their move to the Worcester Arena later this year.