British-Jamaican basketball player Ryan Richards, 34, recently opened up about his extensive career, his battle with alcoholism, and his passion for mentoring young athletes. Richards, who was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2010, reflected on his journey from a promising NBA prospect to playing in 50 different countries worldwide^[1][2]. His story highlights both the highs of professional sports and the personal challenges faced behind the scenes. ### A Career Across Continents Born on April 24, 1991, in Chatham, Kent, England, Ryan Earl Richards achieved a significant milestone early in his career. The San Antonio Spurs selected him as the 49th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft^[1][3][4]. Despite this achievement, Richards never played a regular season game for the team^[1]. An MRI during media day revealed a shoulder injury, leading the Spurs to offer him a rehabilitation program instead of a contract^[2]. This rejection was a tough moment for the then 19-year-old player. "I went back to my hotel room, destroyed the place and just cried for five hours," Richards said, reflecting on the experience. "It was tough, man. I'd worked five years for that moment"^[2]. Despite this setback, Richards persevered, embarking on an international career. He played professional basketball in 50 different countries, from Bahrain to Switzerland, and also represented Team GB on numerous occasions^[2]. He was an Austrian League champion in 2013^[1]. Richards has played for numerous teams across several countries. His career history includes stints with Belfius Mons-Hainaut, Lugano Tigers, Asseco Prokom Gdynia, and teams in Iran, Japan, and the Philippines, among others^[1]. Most recently, he played for the Terrafirma Dyip of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as an import for the 2024–25 PBA Commissioner's Cup. However, he was replaced by Brandon Edwards on December 3, 2024. ^[1] ### Battling Personal Demons Alongside his globe-trotting basketball career, Richards also faced a significant personal struggle. He battled alcoholism for almost 15 years, a habit that numbed his emotions and negatively impacted his body and productivity. ^[2]Richards described a dangerous cycle where he would drink to forget bad games and to celebrate good ones. ^[2]"I was definitely an alcoholic for a large part of my career – no doubt," Richards stated. A^[2] pivotal moment came when he was drinking with an 80-year-old man who shared his regrets about how alcohol had affected his life. Richards recalled thinking, "What's the difference between me and him? Just age. That's it." Thi^[2]s realization served as a turning point in his journey to overcome addiction. Richards also shared insights into his identity as a mixed-race individual. He explained that struggling with identity is common for mixed-race children and often goes unaddressed. Basketball provided an escape and a sense of belonging for him. "Basketball helped me a lot because when you step on the court, colour doesn't come into play," he said. #^[2]## Giving Back to the Next Generation Now, Richards is channeling his experiences into positive work, focusing on connecting with the teenage generation. He expresses a deep appreciation for their honesty. "Some people call them cheeky, some call them a little bit rude, but I just love the transparency of them. I love the realness," Richards said. F^[2]or 2025, Richards' basketball camp is set to expand to locations around the country, with a team planning to attend the million-dollar TBT event in the United States. Ho^[2]wever, he emphasized the importance of focusing on Kent first. Richards noted the historical lack of basketball funding and opportunities in the region. He aims to ensure that no child with basketball dreams is left behind or tempted to miss school to pursue playing opportunities, as he once was. R^[2]ichards' dedication to youth development reflects his own journey and the lessons learned from his diverse career and personal challenges. His efforts aim to provide guidance and opportunities for aspiring basketball players in his home county and beyond.

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