Richards left England for Gran Canaria at the age of 15

Kent teenager Ryan Richards has been drafted to NBA side San Antonio Spurs.

The 19-year-old forward was 49th overall pick in Thursday's draft. He had impressed scouts at the NBA's pre-draft combine.

Richards, who is 6ft 11in, has yet to win a Great Britain cap, but has played for England at Under-16 and 18 level.

Kent junior coach Jesse Sazant told BBC South East: "The sky's the limit for him, he's got a real chance to make it as an established NBA player."

He added: "There's a lot of his development time left, the next two or three years will really count as to how he progresses, but he's got a real opportunity."

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The Sittingbourne teenager was under contract to Spanish club Gran Canaria last season, and played on loan in Switzerland at BBC Monthey.

It is possible he will be sent back to Europe to complete his development, but he says wants his chance in the NBA as soon as possible.

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