A “FEISTY” Worcester Wolves team are targeting a top-three finish in the British Basketball League this season.

And head coach Paul James has urged fans to get the University of Worcester Arena “rocking” as his side launch their bid against London Lions tomorrow (7.30pm).

Worcester came agonisingly close to reaching the play-off final last season after producing a remarkable run which clawed them from ninth to fourth position.

But James believes his new-look team are capable of more this term as they look to put pressure on defending champions Leicester Riders and much-fancied Newcastle Eagles.

“A goal of ours has to be the top three,” James said.

“It is going to be tough because every team have bulked up and there are absolutely fantastic players in the league this season.

“Newcastle and Leicester are looking good and London just won the All-Stars Championship.

“Players need to continue to work hard and coaches need to do their homework on the opposition to put the right plan on the floor so we can finish in the top three which would be fantastic.”

Wolves got off to a slow start in the 2016/17 campaign but James insists his side are “way ahead” of where they were this time last year.

Elvisi Dusha, Dallin Bachynski, Trayvon Palmer, George Beamon and Brandon Parrish have joined Worcester this summer.

And James says supporters can expect to see a different style of basketball from his men this term.

“As we have the athletes to do it we can put pressure on the ball higher up the court and make teams feel a bit uncomfortable defensively,” James said.

“Offensively we will move the ball quicker and we have got guys who are tremendous shooters but also can create for others.

“Every player wants court time and if they let themselves down and miss defensive assignments there will be somebody waiting on the bench to take their spot.

“I think it is going to be a feisty team so I am really excited about getting started with the season.”

Wolves have won their last two meetings against London but the visitors will arrive in Worcester full of confidence after winning the Betway British Basketball All-Stars Championships last weekend.

James said he was anticipating a “cracking game” and called on Wolves’ fans to get behind his team who will be captained by Ashton Khan.

“London have some very talented players,” said James who could be without point guard Dusha after he picked up a knee injury.

“We feel we have got some exceptional players as well. We have got size and athleticism so hopefully we can deal with them.

“The crowd were absolutely fantastic for the two pre-season games at the arena.

“Hopefully they liked what they saw and they will tell everybody about it and invite their friends.

“We want them to get this place rocking because they are going to play a big part in whether we are successful or not this season.”