FORMER Worcester Wolves star and University of Worcester student Ty Shaw has revealed his delight at the chance to return to the city as the new Wolves head coach and director of basketball.
Shaw was an inspirational figure when the Wolves won the EBL Division 2 play-off finals in Birmingham, gained promotion to EBL Division 1 and won the Patrons Cup in 2004. Further success was achieved with victory in the National Trophy Final at the Coventry SkyDome in 2006.
Significantly, the University also won its first British Universities championships with Shaw as captain in 2005 and were again champions the following season when he embarked upon his first year as a player/coach of the University side.
Shaw’s experience at Worcester led him to a coaching career which has seen him coach German Pro B sides and at American universities.
As the head coach of the White Wings Hanau in 2013-14, he steered the team to a first place finish in the South Division. In the previous year, he led TV Langen to a second place finish and was named runner-up for the Pro B Coach of the Year. He actually began the year coaching their U18 club team to a perfect 21-0 record, finishing in first place and winning state and regional titles and advancing to the national tournament.
Most recently, Shaw has worked as assistant head coach of the men’s NCAA Division II Fresno Pacific University, before a move in 2016 to NCAA Division I Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne, to become assistant coach of their women’s team.
Shaw said: “I am very excited and humbled by the opportunity to return to Worcester. The programme has developed a lot since my time here as a player and I look forward to continuing to strive for excellence now as the director of basketball and head coach. We have top-notch facilities, wonderful fans, and a great chance to attack the new season.
“It is very inspiring to be in a programme which has so many opportunities available for education, development, and community involvement.
“In terms of basketball, I look to hit the ground running once I arrive in Worcester. The club has already signed some great players and I am very excited to get the chance to work with them this year.”
Managing director Mick Donovan, said: “Ty Shaw has proven experience working with players at all levels, from professional to student/athletes, and has the ability to motivate and improve the people that he works with and they will want to do as much as they possibly can to achieve their potential.
“We are delighted with this appointment and truly believe he will have a huge impact as our director of basketball at the University and as head coach of the Worcester Wolves.”