WORCESTER Wolves head coach Paul James is demanding more spirit from his players in Friday night’s showdown with London Lions in the British Basketball League.

James admitted last week’s disappointing 90-82 home defeat against Bristol Flyers in the BBL Cup was not acceptable.

He has held a no-holds-barred inquest into Wolves’ loss and believes his players will come out fighting against Zaire Taylor’s Lions at the University of Worcester Arena.

“We have had some frank and honest conversations this week as a team and as individuals and, hopefully, we can move on,” said James.

“I didn’t feel we were at the races against Bristol and lacked the fight, commitment and determination that we need to scrap out and win games and that is something we need to put right.

“Hopefully, the players are hurting as much as I am and we can show a bit more spirit in Friday night’s game. Last year’s team flat-out refused to lose games and were tough physically and mentally. We need to start doing that with the guys we have got here now.

“We will see who wants to stand up and be counted and who is going to shrink away and, hopefully, none of them will shrink away.

“The players will puff out their chests a bit more and come out fighting — that’s the response we want to see on Friday.”

James says it will be a huge test against Lions who, like Wolves, have made a host of new additions to their squad, including former Worcester star Taylor.

“As well as Zaire, Lions have got Andrew Sullivan, who is the GB team captain, Rob Brown and some very solid individual players,” said James.

“Lions have not been having a great start to the new season and, a bit like us, they are still getting to know each other.”