UNIVERSITY student Mark Jacobs could become Worcester Wolves’ new Kalil Irving, according to head coach Paul James.

Jacobs was handed a surprise first appearance for Wolves last Sunday when they took on struggling Manchester Giants following Jermel Kennedy’s late withdrawal.

And James was impressed with the 21-year-old as he scored five points in a 16-minute cameo when Wolves ran out 91-84 winners in the British Basketball League clash.

“It was a very mature performance from him against a team who are very physical and try to intimidate you,” James said.

“He was unfazed and I like that about him.”

Jacobs, who hails from Belgium, is a first-year student at the University of Worcester and has been playing for Wolves’ second team.

He looks set to feature in Wolves’ BBL Cup quarter-final tie against 24-year-old Irving's new club Surrey Scorchers at the University of Worcester Arena tomorrow (4pm).

James continued: “He is 6ft 7in, a good athlete and has been training with us for the last couple of weeks.

“Sunday was a chance to throw him in there and see what he does. I think he played exceptionally well as he got five points in the game, played some solid defence and didn’t back down to anybody.

“They are all signs of somebody who has an opportunity to go far.

“Potentially, he is going to be at the university for the next three years, which will be good for not only the university programme but also for Worcester Wolves.”

James also likened Jacobs to former Worcester player Irving, who burst onto the scene in the 2012-13 campaign and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

Irving, who left Worcester in 2015, enrolled on a three-year marketing course at the university before earning a place in Wolves’ squad after pestering James for a chance to prove himself.

“Mark is a young lad finding his way but he’s a good talent and is somebody we will keep our eye on,” James said.

“We will nurture him and, if he is here for the next three years, we could be looking at another Kalil.

“He is going to be an option for us because I know he is not going to freeze and he is going to play solid defence.

"If he gets the opportunity to score, he will do and will give me some quality minutes.”