Some days ago Great Britain announced the first list to prepare the fight for the next Eurobasket. NBA Ben Gordon committed, but we also could find high-level players like Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Luol Deng, or prospects like Daniel Clark ('88) and Devon Van Oostrum ('93). The 2010 NBA Combine, that is actually held in Chicago, had in brit Ryan Richards ('91) as one of the big names last Thursday. He is not in the list. Eurohopes contacted him.

 

"I'm not playing with the NT this summer, and I never recieved an invite to the men's GB NT, so I am focusing all my attention on the upcoming draft. But I wish them the best!". The forward has no doubts. When we ask him about his plans next weeks he explains that "to get as many invites as I can, and to handle my business when I can get to them". Richards has spent a tough season, finishing with a shoulder injury when he was playing with Monthey (Switzerland). "it was tough and annoying, but I have now recovered 100% and I am now stronger than I was before". The prospect, under contract with Gran Canaria (ACB), adds that "I never played with them as I was waiting on a player to recieve his spanish passport, which would made room for me, but as it was taking too long I had to make a move". 

 

He is clear about what he is thinking while he is participating in the Draft Combine at Chicago. What do you expect of the NBA draft? "The unexpected".      

 

Photo: Dexia Mons-Hainaut