Former Medway Park Crusader OJ Reed has his sights sets on Stateside stardom after he won a place in November’s NBA D League Draft.

The D League is the NBA’s official development league with clubs affiliated to the world’s most famous basketball teams, including the Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers and Boston Celtics.

Reed, a 6ft 6in guard/forward, played for Medway last season. He attended June’s trial in Kentucky after a meeting with a coach from D League side Austin Torros through his training with San Antonio Spurs draft pick Ryan Richards, another former Crusader.

He said: "Luckily, the current NBA lockout does not affect the operations of the D League, so now I’m just staying in shape and waiting for my opportunity.

"My stint with the Crusaders was beneficial for me. I was able to work on some areas of my game and increase my versatility, while also helping lead the club in the right direction in getting promoted and winning the English Basketball League 2 play-offs."

Crusaders chairman Jesse Sazant (pictured) said: "OJ was a tremendous player at the club. Not only in the obvious impact he had on the floor in our success but in the way he fully bought into the club, leading, supporting and pushing our younger players to help their development.

"I hope things work out for him in the draft as he fully deserves the opportunity."