IT has been another summer of wholesale changes at Worcester Wolves but head coach Paul James insists he did try to keep last season’s squad together.

James admitted there were “four or five players” he wanted to retain from the side who finished fourth in the 2015-16 British Basketball League campaign.

But only guard Ashton Khan has agreed to stay as Perris Blackwell, Pavol Losonsky, Javier Mugica, Jay Couisnard, Orlan Jackman, Jordan Dawes, Jordan Aaron, Disraeli Lufadeju and Ben Eaves all departed.

James said he wanted to make changes but he did not foresee so many players deciding to leave Wolves, who begin the new campaign at home to Cheshire Phoenix on Friday, September 23.

“I think we made it quite clear there were four or five players we wanted to bring back,” James said.

“Those players have decided to go elsewhere but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

“We did what we could do but the players made their decisions quite clear that they were looking at other opportunities, so we had to move on and that’s what we have done.”

James insisted Wolves have done a “fantastic job” recruiting “quality” players ahead of the new season.

Andrew Bachman became the sixth new face to be added to Worcester’s squad having joined straight from Tiffin College in America last week.

The 6ft 6in guard’s arrival follows the captures of Alejandro Navajas, Deondre McWhorter, Trevor Setty, Danny Huffor and Jermel Kennedy.

“Only Ashton has been retained from last season’s squad but we are looking forward now with the players we have got,” James said.

“Training has gone exceptionally well, so I am very positive and quite excited about this group of players.”

James, whose side lost to Glasgow Rocks in the first round of last season’s play-offs, added: “We wanted to change the way we were and I think we will have players who can bring that change.

“Already in training, I think there is a good team spirit and we have players who have played in good competitions and within winning programmes so they have what it takes.

“Obviously, there will be a lot of fact finding about each of them as we go on but so far so good as far as our preparations are concerned.”

Wolves have scheduled two pre-season clashes against Sheffield Sharks on Friday and Bristol Flyers on Monday (both 7.30pm).