by Alex Hoad

Ryan Richards says he is keen to ‘put himself on the map’ by earning a place in the Great Britain team at the Olympics.

The Sittingbourne star, who turned 21 on Saturday, headed to the former Soviet state of Georgia this week to take part in their season finale ahead of linking-up with his GB team-mates.

The San Antonio Spurs draftee is in the initial 21-man preliminary squad for the summer, which will be whittled down to 16 next month before another four are cut on the eve of a pre-Games training camp in the US.

Chatham-born Richards said: "I was definitely pleased to be included and intend to do everything I can to show I am worth a place in the summer."

After his stint in Georgia, the 7ft 1in centre is set to link-up with the rest of the GB squad on June 4 and said: "I’ll be back in time and in shape to start the build-up with GB.

"The Olympics is a huge thing for the country and it will be for me and the GB team. To have it less than an hour’s drive from your home makes it even more special.

"It’s a good opportunity for us to put GB basketball and for me to put myself on the map. It’s really exciting."

The former Medway Park Crusaders star headed to Georgia on Tuesday to compete in the Superleague Finals for Sokhumi.

He said: "I’ve been staying in shape and feel good. I’ve been doing off-season workouts so I’m probably in better shape than I would be during the season.

"This has been a build-up year. I was struggling a bit after shoulder surgery last year and I was not 100% but I have healed completely and am back to playing and improving my defence. I’m past the injuries and feel good."

Former Westland School pupil Richards hasn’t played since leaving the Lugano Tigers in the Swiss league last year for personal reasons, after averaging more than 11 points and almost seven rebounds a game.

He revealed his experiences of playing in Spain, Belgium and Switzerland had helped him mature, adding: "When you travel to play in these countries and cultures it helps you to grow up at a young age.

"It also helps you realise that you are never as good as you think you are.

"I’m happy with the decisions I have made so far in my career and the paths I’ve taken. The injuries have been annoying but I feel like I have got myself right now."

While he is officially on the books of the NBA Championship-chasing Spurs, Richards revealed he is left to decide where he plays his basketball, hoping that his performances are being noted from overseas.

He said: "I go where I can, I make the best decisions for myself. The Spurs pretty much let me get on with it.

"I just have to keep focused on doing well and then if it happens with the Spurs, then it happens."