Carlos Ferandez debuts in BBL Team of the Week

A stunning display by Carlos Fernandez in Worcester Wolves’ hard-fought 94-86 victory at the weekend over Milton Keynes Lions has earnt him a debut place in the British Basketball League Team of the Week.

While being known for his hard work at the defensive end of the court, on this occasion his all-round game was enough for him to be recognised as one of this week’s top five performers in the league.

Despite his outstanding statistics of 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, Fernandez is modest about his performance: “I’m a bit surprised with the recognition it’s having. I have never cared about the stats. I just try to play hard every minute, step it up in defense and look for the best option in offense. I believe defense makes the difference between a winning and a losing team. Last Saturday, with Sherrad playing through an ankle sprain I felt like I had to help him in controlling the tempo of the game. I felt good on the court and the shots went in.”

Wolves Director of Basketball Paul James is thrilled for his rookie Spanish forward: “Carlos came into the team this season and has consistently been one of our best defenders. He is working hard on his offensive game and it all paid off in his fantastic performance against the Lions.”

Fernandez also wants to take the chance to point out how much he is enjoying living in the city:” I'm really enjoying my experience in Worcester. I love the city, I love my team-mates and I love the Wolves' fans. Everybody has been really nice to me since day one. They always have an "hola" to say, and a word of support. It did take me a while to get used to the weather, that is a big difference with Spain, but now there is nothing to complain about.”

If the honour for Fernandez is not enough, Wolves centre Richie Gordon also makes another appearance in the BBL Team of the Week after his excellent double-double of 20 points and ten rebounds in Saturday’s win. When those figures were added to his four blocked shots in the game, it became impossible for him not to notch up his sixth spot amongst the league’s best players.

Wolves will look to maintain their winning streak when travelling to Durham Wildcats this Friday, before returning home to the University of Worcester the week after to face Cheshire Jets.

 Report by Colin Taylor

Worcester Wolves 94 - 86 Milton Keynes Lions

An impressive all-action performance by Carlos Fernandez helped Worcester Wolves consolidate second spot in the British Basketball league with a nerve wracking and hard fought home court success over Milton Keynes Lions.

The Spaniard was in top form and finished with a super 18 points and 12 rebounds, and also claimed seven assists to get within touching distance of a stunning and rare triple-double.

Team-mate Richie Gordon also racked up a double-double by registering 20 points and ten rebounds as Wolves executed in an exciting conclusion to finally see off a pesky Lions team who had looked like they might spring a surprise.

But, as has been so common this season, there was little to cheer for Lions coach Mike New outside of the contributions of guard Demarius Bolds and centre Daniel Northern, and a lack of a convincing third scorer was where they fell short.

Worcester got off to a strong start in the game after initially falling 8-7 behind. They posted a 10-1 burst to help take command at 24-12 by the end of the first quarter.

In danger of being blown away early, Coach New needed a response from his team and he got it when they came alive with a superb start to the second period. They left home supporters stunned when they scored sixteen of the first eighteen points to not only overturn the deficit but take the lead though a basket by Nuno Pedroso.

While Gordon broke the Wolves’ drought to level the scores, the home team couldn’t find their shooting touch and barely broke double digits as the contest remained all-square heading to the locker rooms.

Wolves always looked the team most likely to make a game winning run in the third quarter, firstly moving 45-38 in front and then increasing their advantage to 59-51 after free-throws by Tommy Freeman.

However, Lions rallied and scored the last six points of the period to make it a one-shot game heading into the final quarter.

Milton Keynes looked to be done at 81-72 behind with just two minutes of the game remaining but they fought hard to recover and set up a thrilling finale. Three-pointers in the closing stages by Stefan Gill and Pedroso cut the gap to just 88-86 with thirty seconds remaining, but the home team held their nerve to score the last six points of the contest to take the win.

Prior to the game Coach New had complained that his side had been disrespected in the last encounter between the two teams back in December when Wolves took a late time out despite having already sealed the victory. A powerful dunk from Fernandez with no time left on the clock in this match will have done nothing to foster better relations.

Wolves Director of Basketball Paul James was pleased to take the win: “It’s always hard to play against Milton Keynes. They’re scrappy, they’re aggressive, they try to intimidate you. We did a great job in keeping our heads and getting a fantastic win in the end.”

As well as the impressive all-round performances of Fernandez and Gordon, there were steady displays from Tommy Freeman and Arnas Kazlauskas who scored 22 and 21 points respectively. Bolds with 33 points and Northern with 18 points dominated the Milton Keynes scoring.

Wolves travel to Durham Wildcats next Friday before returning home to the University of Worcester in two weeks’ time to face Cheshire Jets.   

 Report by Colin Taylor