Teenage basketball star Ryan Richards has fulfilled a life-long dream by being selected to play for one of the best sides in the NBA.

The Sittingbourne-born star, 19, who began his career with Kent Crusaders before moving to an acdemy in Gran Canaria, Spain, was chosen with the 49th overall pick of the NBA Draft and will join the San Antonio Spurs who play in Texas.

The Spurs won the NBA title in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and feature future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, regarded as one of the best 'big-men' in the history of the game, who is expected to help mould 6'11" Richards into a future star.

Richards has not even played for the GB team and has only represented England to under-18 level.

He was selected in the second round of the draft - which is watched by millions around the globe - held at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Richards has had spells playing professionally in Belgium and Switzerland but before the draft said he was hoping to avoid being sent back to Europe to continue his development.

Spurs General Manager RC Buford said: "He's a tall, pretty athletic shooting big, and we hope that he grows.

"But he's young, he's played very, very little, so this is a developmental project."

Do you think Richards has what it takes to make it in the NBA? Have your say below.