WORCESTER Wolves boss Paul James admits he cannot afford to have any “shrinking violets” in his side this season.

James has accused some of his players of not stepping up to the mark in the opening three games of the campaign.

Worcester lost their British Basketball League opener at London Lions before following up their BBL Cup win over Manchester Giants with a defeat at Surrey Scorchers last Sunday.

James singled out Trayvon Palmer, Brandon Parrish and George Beamon for praise following their “exceptional” showings in those matches.

But he insists he needs the rest of his team to start “hitting their straps” if Worcester are to challenge for top honours this term.

“We know that if everybody comes and does their bit then we have got a good team on our hands,” James said.

“If one or two players are not on their game and their performances are not what we expect then we are going to struggle and that’s what happened in that first half (against Surrey).

“Guys were not really playing to their best for whatever reason, but we certainly picked it up and it is another learning experience as we now know how people can react in two games over a weekend.

“I must admit the guys who are performing well right now, Trayvon, Brandon and George, all had exceptional weekends again and we just need some of the other guys to step up and we are going to be OK."

Wolves visit high-flying Newcastle Eagles on Friday (7.30pm).

“For us to be a team that is going to challenge this season three players are not going to get it done,” James continued.

“Some teams rely on that, but I think we are a team where we need to have four, five or six guys in double figures scoring and everybody helping out in the rebounding and not relying on one or two to do it all.

“We have to do it as a collective.

“We will get there as I have seen glimpses of it this season already where we have been relentless in the way we have pursued the ball and shared it offensively.

“It is just about finding those combinations that are going to work more often than not and we will certainly get there.”

Palmer top scored with 21 points in Wolves’ 88-72 loss at Lions, Parrish bagged a game high 27 in their 101-80 win over Manchester and Beamon notched 25 in their 84-80 reverse at Surrey.

The American trio arrived at the University of Worcester Arena outfit in the summer and James said he had been delighted with how they have started.

“They are playing with no fear,” James added.

“They are talented players and have high basketball IQs.

“Both offensively and defensively they are doing a great job right now, so obviously we want them to continue in that same rich vein of form.

“We are creating some really good shots for everybody, but we just need a couple of other players to start hitting their straps.

“We can’t have any shrinking violets at Newcastle.”