DEONDRE McWhorter has been challenged to show Worcester Wolves’ fans he was worth waiting for when he makes his home debut against Sheffield Sharks tonight (7.30pm).

The “explosive” 6ft 9in forward missed Wolves’ season-opening 88-85 success over Cheshire Phoenix last week due to a delay with his work permit.

Just a day after his arrival from America, McWhorter was thrust straight into action on Sunday as Wolves lost 77-66 at reigning British Basketball League champions Leicester Riders.

James admitted the 23-year-old rookie had “a lot to learn” but was confident he would make a big difference to his side.

“Once we get Deondre into the swing of things, we are going to be a very tough team,” he said.

“Sometimes work permits just take longer than others but we are delighted he is here now.

“It’s his first professional contract, so he has got a lot to learn but he is going to get better and better as the season goes on.

“He is looking really good in practice and hopefully against Sheffield he can show us why we were so patient in waiting for him.”

McWhorter joined Wolves from Georgetown College in the USA, where he picked up many accolades and was voted the NAIA player of the year.

He finished the season with 18.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game and James believes he has the potential to become Wolves’ “go-to” player.

“We have guys who can do stuff under the basket but they are not of his size or ability,” he said.

“He is very strong, very explosive and he is going to give us that real inside option we have been lacking.”

James said he was disappointed with his side’s shooting in their overtime win over Cheshire and was frustrated to fall short at Leicester after getting their noses in front.

However, the boss insisted he was impressed with the “fighting spirit” and “character” Worcester demonstrated in their first two games.

“The fact we came down from 16 points against Cheshire, who are not a bad team, says a lot,” he said.

“We dug deep, stuck together as a group and managed to pull a win out of the bag.

“Then to go to Leicester and be 90 seconds away from winning the game shows our potential.”

Wolves now welcome bottom club Sheffield, who started the campaign with back-to-back defeats, to the University of Worcester Arena.

“Sheffield are going to be a very dangerous team as they won’t want to lose three in a row, so we have got to make sure we have taken care of our preparations,” added James.

“If we can play with energy and intensity and make a few more shots than we did last Friday, I would like to think we can win the game.” James expects to have a full squad to choose from despite Ashton Khan tweaking his ankle in training.