Worcester Wolves can keep up good form - Paul James

Rod Middleton was named in BBL team of the week

Worcester Wolves head coach Paul James believes his players are mentally and physically tough enough to continue their good start to the season.

Wolves are top of the BBL table having won their opening two matches, including a 93-44 thrashing of Essex Pirates on Sunday.

"We're not in this to make up numbers," said James. "I think we have the ability to get scores like that.

"Certainly defensively I can see us improving with every game."

He added: "We've got some really tough matches coming up but I'm excited by what we've done."

Worcester's next game is at home against third placed Sheffield Sharks and James believes his side can match their opponents.

"Sheffield recruited really well this year, again, and seem to have found some real stars," said James. "But we can't really worry about that too much.

Everyone is going a bit nuts after two games because they have never been at the top of the table

Coach Paul James

"I think we've got the players that can nullify theirs and we're going to cause them just as many problems and they cause us. Hopefully the home court advantage will get us over the edge."

The Wolves head coach believes the side set down a marker when they beat current champions Newcastle Eagles 99-96 in overtime in their opening match of the BBL season and any added pressure following their early successes will be a positive.

"Crazy really, everyone is going a bit nuts after two games because they have never been at the top of the table. It's good, it puts extra pressure on us," he said.

"Every team is going to come here and play as hard as they can. We're in a great position and the guys are mentally tough enough to handle the pressure put on us by the media and our bosses."

Worcester have got their second player in the BBL team of the week in a row after Rod Middleton followed Justin Dobbins in being given the accolade for his performance in the side's 93-44 defeat of Essex Pirates on Sunday.

"Rod really is our leader and he sets the tone for every game, he's a true professional. Him and Danny Gilbert have been great in showing the other players who have just come in the way to go and what it's about," he said.

"Delighted for Rod, he's not been playing the greatest since he got back but he seems to be finding his feet now. So onwards and upwards."