OPTIMISM is growing at Worcester Wolves over the possibility of seeing Deshawn Freeman back on the court next weekend.

Interim head coach Tony Garbelotto believes bottom club Wolves will “definitely” win games in British Basketball League once Freeman returns to action and gave a positive update on the American’s fitness.

Freeman has been out since sustaining a serious ankle sprain in Worcester's defeat to London City Royals in late December.

Wolves confirmed in the lead up to their match against Newcastle Eagles that Freeman would be back available only for the 6ft 7in forward to suffer a further blow in training.

“Because I came in on that Thursday (before the Newcastle match) I took what was being said to me as gospel,” said Garbelotto who is taking temporary charge of Wolves for one month.

“Everyone said to me Deshawn was ready to play. I didn’t speak to the physio before the practice session and he came out when he should not have done.

“He did one drill and stepped on someone’s foot and re-injured it which was absolutely crazy.

“The physio then told me he would never have allowed him to be out there.”

But Garbelotto is hopeful Freeman will back in the fold ahead of Friday’s home clash with Surrey Scorchers (7.30pm).

“He actually practised a little on Tuesday, not with full contact but he did some transition drills,” Garbelotto said.

“He then did another very hard session on Wednesday morning which involved strength work and shooting. It was almost two-and-a-half hours worth of work and he looked great.

“Our aim for him last week was to steadily build and we are hopeful that by early this week he will be taking a full part in our practices and will be ready to go.”

Wolves are at the foot of the table after a run of 17 straight league defeats.

“In everyone’s opinion including mine Deshawn is the best player in our team,” Garbelotto added.

“If he is fit and healthy this team has got a great chance of winning.

“There is no chance we would have lost (at Manchester Giants) last Sunday and we might have won (against Newcastle) on the Friday night had he played.

“I believe that once he is back there is definitely going to be wins for us.”