HEAD coach Ty Shaw says Deshawn Freeman’s move to Worcester Wolves has allowed him “a little bit of leeway” to complete his recruitment.

Wolves suffered a blow on the eve of last weekend’s double-header when power forward Dean Wanliss handed in his resignation.

His sudden departure due to family reasons left Shaw to “immediately” search for a replacement as he was also awaiting the arrival of 6ft 7in Freeman.

But with Freeman joining up with his squad last Saturday Shaw said his efforts to fill the void left by Wanliss were not as pressing as they were before.

“We would like to get somebody in soon rather than later to have that complete feeling,” Shaw said.

“But with Deshawn coming in there is not that urgency to find somebody.

“It gives us a little bit of leeway to make sure that we are picking somebody that can really help us on court and fit within the team dynamic.”

Shaw said he had identified "a few options" to replace Wanliss but insisted he did not want to make a “snap decision”.

“It is a process where we look at who is available to talk to and who can come in and help us,” Shaw said.

“Rather than just grabbing anybody it is really important for us to focus on who is a good fit for us culture-wise and team-wise.”

Asked whether the newcomer would be a like-for-like replacement for Wanliss, Shaw added: “That's an option.

"But we have had some university guys like Daniel Johnson-Thompson and Sam Marsh who are really pushing.

“We are trying to find someone who is going to help us in the position that we deem the most necessary but that might change to the original thought when you look at how the young guys are developing.”

Freeman joins Wolves after graduating from Rutgers University last season where he was captain of their Scarlett Knights team.

In his senior campaign, Freeman averaged 11.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Shaw said everyone at the club was excited to see the American in action on Friday when Wolves visit British Basketball League high-fliers Newcastle Eagles (7.30pm).

“Deshawn is a really nice young man who has done some very good things in the very short time he has been here,” Shaw said.

“For any professional player at this point you are champing at the bit to get out on the court and get to know your team-mates.”

On Wanliss’ departure, Shaw added: “Dean was a fantastic team-mate and great in training.

“I can’t say anything bad about him. He is a great person with a great attitude and great work ethic.

“Like anything in life family situations come first and we definitely understand that.

“While it wasn’t great that that situation occurred those things happen and you have got to support people.”