Basketball
Fernandez enjoying life in Worcester

Buy photos » Worcester Wolves' Spanish ace Carlos Fernandez is loving life in Worcester and has thanked the fans and all at the club for welcoming him since his arrival last summer. Picture by Keith Hunt.

WORCESTER Wolves' Spanish ace Carlos Fernandez says he is loving life and playing basketball in the Faithful City.

The 6ft 6ins forward, who signed from Leon in the highly rated second tier of the Spanish basketball league last summer, played a key role in Wolves' latest win over the MK Lions on Saturday.

Fernandez scored 18 points, 12 rebounds and made seven assists in their hard-fought home win and has thanked everyone at the club and the fans for welcoming him to the team since joining.

"I'm really enjoying my experience in Worcester," he said.

"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 and 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 the big difference with Spain, but now there is nothing to complain about."

And his performance earned him deserved recognition as he was selected for this week's BBL Team of the Week for the first time this season.

"I'm a bit surprised with the recognition it's having," he added. "I have never cared about statistics but I just try to play hard every minute, step it up in defence and look for the best option in offence.

"I believe defence makes the difference between a winning and a losing team and on Saturday, with Sherrad Prezzie-Blue playing through an ankle strain I felt like I had to help him in controlling the tempo of the game."

Wolves head coach Paul James heaped more praise on his rookie forward and said his consistent displays had been one of the shining lights during what has been a great season so far for the club.

"Carlos came into the team this season and has consistently been one of our best defenders," he said. "He is working hard on his offensive game and it all paid off in his fantastic performance against the Lions."

Wolves centre Richie Gordon also made the BBL Team of the Week after another solid display saw him score 20 points and ten rebounds in Saturday's win.