WORCESTER Wolves can go all the way in several competitions this season, according to buoyant boss Paul James.

After a busy summer, head coach James believes he has got a “very special” squad ready to challenge for British Basketball League honours.

A number of new recruits will make their league debuts for Wolves tonight when they line up against Cheshire Phoenix at the University of Worcester Arena (7.30pm).

And James has urged the club’s supporters to get behind his new-look team in their season opener as they set their sights on silverware.

“I hope the crowd are going to come and support the team from the word go because in my mind this is a very special group of players,” he said.

“They can go all the way in not only one competition but in several, so we need our fans behind us to help achieve that.”

Only Ashton Khan remains from the side who finished fourth last season and lost to Glasgow Rocks in the first round of the BBL play-offs.

Marek Klassen, Andrew Bachman, Alejandro Navajas, Deondre McWhorter, Trevor Setty, Danny Huffor and Jermel Kennedy have all joined the club.

“Last year, we finished fourth and I think this team are capable of at least that, if not more, and we are certainly setting our sights higher than that,” continued James, whose side will also be aiming to succeed in the Trophy and Cup.

“Every year we are looking to get silverware otherwise I don’t see the point.

“The season has not started yet and we will have to see what everybody else has got to offer.

“But where we are right now, given the players we have and the pre-season games we have had, there are going to have to be some really good teams out there to stop us.”

Cheshire have won their last five meetings against Wolves but James is upbeat about his side’s chances of ending their hoodoo this evening.

“We have had a few sticky games against them in the past,” he added.

“But I just feel like we have a different character and personnel within the group, which has a different mentality and attitude.

“Every game we are going to play hard, up-tempo basketball and, if we do that and stick together, we are going to win an awful lot of games.”

Huffor “tweaked his ankle” earlier this week but James expects to have a fully-fit squad who will be led by newly-appointed skipper Klassen.

The 24-year-old point guard arrived from Leeds Force this summer and the Wolves chief says there was “no other choice” for the captaincy.

“Marek was my first signing because I needed that leadership on and off the court,” James said.

“He has come in and been every bit the player I thought he would be.”

Wolves quickly play their second game of the BBL season on Sunday when they visit reigning champions Leicester Riders (4pm).