HoopsHype.com Rumors

Sittingbourne basketball star Ryan Richards is at the eye of an Olympic storm after defecting from the Great Britain set-up to join Jamaica ahead of the London 2012 Games. The former Medway Park Crusaders star - who was drafted by NBA giants the San Antonio Spurs in 2010 - ended the season playing in the Georgian SuperLeague in a bid to prove his fitness and form before the Olympics. However the 6ft 11inc forward has decided to swap TeamGB for the nation of his father’s birth after winning seven senior caps last year. The 21-year-old confirmed to the KM Group: "I’m not involved with GB anymore," but question marks remain about his eligibility under FIBA rules having represented Britain at senior level as well as under-20s. Kent Online

Ryan Richards, Great Britain, Olympics, Jamaica 

British big man Ryan Richards will play with Lugano Tigers, in Switzerland, next season. The center born in 1991 and selected by San Antonio Spurs in the 2010 NBA Draft with the 49th overall has already played in Swiss with BBC Monthey in 2009-10 averaging 13.3ppg, 5.2rpg in 6 games. Sportando

San Antonio Spurs, Ryan Richards, Lockout, Switzerland 

Mark Woods: Spurs draft pick Ryan Richards confirms he will be having a second shoulder surgery today. Likely now to miss entire season. Twitter

San Antonio Spurs, Draft, Ryan Richards, Injuries 

Jeff McDonald: Spurs' pick Ryan Richards is in town rehabbing shoulder injury. Expected to return to his Spanish team for next season, eventually. Twitter

San Antonio Spurs, Ryan Richards, Injuries 

Ryan Richards, the 49th overall pick in the last NBA draft, will be sent on loan again next season by Gran Canaria 2014. The 19-year-old British forward, in the Spanish team since 2009, was also loaned last season in the Swiss team BBC Monthey, averaging 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. The Hoops Market

Draft, Ryan Richards 

You knew the Spurs wouldn't make it through a draft night without taking a Euro. Ryan Richards, selected in the second round at No. 49, isn't a name you need to know for now. He's a true 7-footer, but only 19, and the Spurs will keep him stashed overseas for the time being. "He's a gifted athlete, and a pretty good shooter," general manager R.C. Buford said. "That shooting '4' role for us has been pretty important. We'll see how long it takes him to get ready for this opportunity." San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Draft, Ryan Richards 

Despite suggestions otherwise, British center Ryan RIchards won't return overseas and plans to play in NBA or D-league, source says. Twitter

Draft, Ryan Richards