NEW signing Orlan Jackman could be the difference between success and failure for Worcester Wolves this season, according to head coach Paul James.

The explosive forward-guard left Portugal to sign for the British Basketball League outfit last week and is expected to make his debut against Leicester Riders tomorrow night (7.30pm).

James said he had to bide his time to secure Jackman’s signature as the 27-year-old, who was included in the Great Britain senior squad for the first time in 2013, turned down Worcester’s offer in October in order to join Portuguese side CAB Madeira.

But, now he has arrived at the University of Worcester Arena, the Wolves boss said 6ft 7in Jackman had given them a big boost as they aim to challenge for silverware this season.

“He is going to bring us some true grit at both ends of the floor,” James said.

“He was on the fringes of the Great Britain squad, so he is a quality player that we are bringing in here who is going to do nothing but help the team.

“I am really excited about him being on board with us now and moving forward for the rest of the season.

“We tried to sign him in October when I knew he was available, but he ended up going to Portugal and that did not work out as he would have liked.

“Of course, we were still interested and I am really pleased that the directors found a way to make it happen.

“He could be the difference in us being successful or not.”

Jackman last played in the BBL for London Lions in 2012 when he was considered one of the league’s most impressive rookies and named in the All-British BBL team.

He then moved to Germany where he guided Iserlohn Kangaroos to the Pro-B South title in 2015 and picked up the player-of-the-year award.

James said he was delighted to have Jackman on board ahead of their mouth-watering tie against second-placed Leicester and believes he will be a big hit with Wolves’ fans.

“I am sure our supporters are going to love him,” James said.

“He is a very exciting player to watch. He will make things happen and will make everyone else around him better as well, so I like the balance of the team that we have right now.

“We have been saying for the past few weeks that if a player did come along who would help the team we would look at it and Orlan is that player, so we are not looking to make any more additions.”