WORCESTER Wolves have swoop-ed to make their first major signing since being promoted to the British Basketball League.

Tom Perkes, who was a team-mate of current Worcester player Andy Harper at Albertson Univer-sity in Idaho, USA, has agreed a deal to play for Wolves in their inaugural BBL campaign.

The 6ft 7ins forward, who will lead the line for Wolves, was named the Cascade Conference Player of the Year in 2003/04 and even earned first team All-American honours.

The 26-year-old said: "I'm excited by the opportunity to play for Wolves and I look forward to helping the team progress in our goal of becoming an elite club."

Club chairman Roger Clarke revealed that Perkes is a player Wolves have been keeping tabs on for some time and promised more new arrivals are on the cards.

He said: "We have been following the Tom's progress through our sources in the States and are very excited at the prospect of bringing him to Worcester to be a part of our challenge in the BBL.

"Since the news of our promotion broke -- we have been swamped with requests from interested players who want to play for Worcester at the top level. There are more signings to follow."

Wolves coach Josh Cooprider is also excited by the Perkes signing and is expecting big things from his compatriot.

He added: "Tom is a proven scorer in the American college system and he will bring a lot of energy and experience to the team.

"He will definitely fit in with the way we play our basketball at Wolves."

Meanwhile, Worcester's director of basketball Mick Donovan reiterated that the club are going all out to ensure the side can compete against the elite teams of British basketball.

He said: "The coaches and management are working around the clock to secure the services of players who will strengthen the team in their biggest challenge so far.

"We have approached some exciting players who we feel will impress the Worcester fans and are simply waiting for a response."

Meanwhile, season tickets for Worcester Wolves' debut BBL campaign have gone on sale.

The new season gets under way on Friday, September 29, and the full fixture list is set to be published in early August.

An adult season ticket, which entitles the holder to admission to all Wolves matches played at the University of Worcester sports centre, costs £90.

Senior citizens, under 16s and students with a valid National Union of Students card for the 2005/06 academic year can purchase a season ticket for £65.

The season ticket guarantees entry only, not an allocated seat, and must always be presented to Wolves staff.

Anyone interested in a season ticket can log on to www.worcesterwolves.com or contact Susie Hart on s.hart@worc.ac.uk or 01905-855140 for an application form.