ASSISTANT coach Dean Blake is set to take temporary charge of Worcester Wolves in the absence of Ty Shaw for Friday’s British Basketball League clash with leaders London Lions at the University of Worcester Arena (7.30pm).

Shaw stayed in Northern General Hospital overnight after falling ill during Wolves’ 114-76 defeat at Sheffield Sharks last Friday.

With the 39-year-old American still recovering at home Blake has stepped into his shoes and is running the training sessions along with coaches Felix Hallam and Miguel Rodriguez.

Managing director Mick Donovan was unable to give any detail on Shaw’s condition and was unsure when he would return but said everyone was “rallying around him” to ensure he gets better. “Ty is due to see some doctors again in the next couple of days so we are just putting plans in place until we know more,” Donovan said.

“When we have got an accurate picture we will provide an update as we have had hundreds and hundreds of messages of goodwill from all over the world.”

Reflecting on what happened at Sheffield last Friday, Donovan said: “I received a call from the British Basketball League at about 8.15pm and they informed me that an ambulance had been called for Ty.

“When asked the players and coaches were happy to continue as they knew Ty was in good care.

“We were a bit worried about some of the messages that were going out on social media that probably weren’t accurate and we were thinking of his friends and family in America and Germany.

“That’s why we were quick to get a message out to say things as they were.

“We then kept in touch with people who were staying with him in hospital and were getting updates on how he was.

“A lot of people were ringing and getting in touch as we were the main way of finding out how he was so it was busy until 2am.

“He was then discharged in the morning and is now resting. Everyone is rallying around him and looking after him.”

Responding to reports on social media about a player bust-up at half-time, Donovan replied: “I don’t know anything about that.”

Donovan also said he had attended a training session on Monday to update players on Shaw’s health ahead of bottom club Wolves’ battle with Lions.

“When I met with the team they were really focused and committed,” Donovan added.

“I think they will give the game everything they have got.

“They really appreciate the support they get at Worcester and I think they will do it for the coach and the fans.

“They will go out and give it a really good go so let’s see what happens.”