Ryan Richards is the finest young basketball player that Kent has produced in recent years and is Kent’s best chance for representation in both the elite NBA and the GB Basketball team at the 2012 Olympics.

Ryan, who first played elite basketball with the Kent Crusaders, now plays his basketball full time with Spain’s Gran Canaria where he has quickly become a key member of their under 16 and 18 squads. Last season, while still only 14, Ryan regularly featured for the Crusaders men’s teams quickly earning his teammates and opponents respect.

Basketball is a much bigger sport in Spain than it is in Britain, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona fielding professional basketball sides. Richards has shown a huge improvement already after accepting the scholarship to Gran Canria’s academy. Recently he top scored with 33 points heling the Gran Canria regional team to a national championship.

Ryan, now 15 and originally from Sittingbourne, came back to Britain recently and we took the opportunity to talk to him first time about life in Spain:

How does playing in Spain compare to playing in England?

I’ve been in Spain for about six months now and it’s been great. Things are a lot different over here and it’s a whole different culture. We train here everyday and at first I struggled a bit with it. There’s a lot of lifting weights and I’ve improved a lot physically and my game has come on a lot. Living on my own in a different country has been good for me and I feel I’ve improved both as a player and as a person.

What’s it been like getting used to life in Spain – have you learned the language?

I’m still learning the language but Canaria has loads of guys from all over the world, from places like the Czech Republic and Somalia and most of them speak pretty good English so it’s been alright so far.

And the food?

The food’s alright, most of the time we’re on a special diet to help us put on weight but on Sundays we get to eat traditional food like Paella.

What do you hope to do next?

Well I want to go North and get a contract with one of the big clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid, they have the same badge and everything as the football clubs. Then I want to go to America to one of the colleges and finally to the NBA!

Good luck with that!

Thanks

What’s it like being back in the UK?

Cold! It feels very cold over here. I’ve been training with the guys (Kent Crusaders) and it felt good to be back, although all the plays have changed and I didn’t really know what was going on.

What are the coaches like in Spain?

The training in Spain is really good, I’m stronger a lot faster and my fundamentals have improved a lot

Does your new coach shout as much as Jesse? (Jesse Sazant, Kent’s head coach)

(Laughs) No, no one shouts as much as him!

The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders would like to announce that they have terminated the license of Lee Butters. Butters was disqualified in Saturday’s game against Tamar Valley. The club would like to make it clear that Butters’ actions, after being disqualified, are not acceptable and set a poor example for our many young supporters. We know that emotions can run high during elite sport but he crossed the line on this occasion. We do not want this type of behaviour associated with the Kent Crusaders Basketball Club. We recognise that Lee has played a significant role in the development of the Crusaders, having played over 50 games for the club, and leaves as Kent’s leading career rebounder and third leading career scorer. It is unfortunate that his time with the club had to end this way.

The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders are pleased to announce the addition of Polish 6′4 forward Marcin Juszczak. He joins the team from Kotwica Kolobrezg who play in the top division in Poland. The Crusaders hope he will be available for Saturday’s game, pending his international clearance arriving.

Head Coach Jesse Sazant thinks that Juszczak will be a solid addition to the squad stating, “Marcin has a real good understanding of how to play basketball. His shooting touch and movement off the ball will fit in very well with what we’re trying to do.”

The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders play their first competitive game of their season at home this Saturday (30th) in a National Cup 1st round tie against league newcomers Southampton Trailblazers.

The Kent side must be careful not to look past Trailblazers, who have made two significant signings in the off-season; Mark Jackson and David Butterworth join Southampton from Solent Stars (EBL1) where the two were top scorers last season and both have played professionally in the BBL.

The game gives Crusaders a chance to unveil their much-changed side before the Division 2 campaign begins in earnest. And Crusaders coach Jesse Sazant is aware of the need for his team to impress early in the season; “We’re anxious to introduce our new team to all of our supporters and to step onto our home court for the first time this season, Trailblazers have some real talent and will present a good test for us.”

The reward for the winning side is a prestigious home tie against National League Division 1 champions Worthing Thunder on Sunday 22 October. Sazant added, “We need to be careful not to look past Southampton but the chance to host Worthing is obviously a great opportunity.”

The game tips-off at Body and Mind, Canterbury High School at 6:30 on Saturday, 30 September with the Crusaders pre-game clinic for all juniors running from 4:45-5:30. There will be an opportunity to meet the Crusaders after the game at the Sports Cafe at Body and Mind.

Body and Mind Kent Crusaders look forward to their first season in Division 2 with optimism after enjoying unprecedented success last season.

The Kent side dominated the league for long periods before a log jam of fixtures towards the end of the season took its toll with Crusaders managing to win the division 3 title in a dramatic finale to the season. Crusaders also had an impressive cup run reaching the final of the National Shield.

The side has experienced really change during the off season losing star players Robbie Parker and Walter Moyse to Europe with the pair being offered professional basketball contracts with European sides. The side has been much improved however with the signing of seven new players offering the squad real strength in depth.

At guard, new signings Gary Davison, Damian Lyons and Alan Kealy join returning players James Parker, Jeff Wadey, Pete Ayling and James Harris.

Davison has already established himself as a leader in the side bringing a great deal of experience and competitiveness to the side. Lyons will also add even greater toughness and intensity to Crusaders guard line up.

With so much competition in the guard positions it is imperative for many of Crusader existing players to raise their game in order to secure a starting place. Parker in particular will be looking to step out of his brother’s shadow and take an extra scoring role. Wadey also has made improvements to his game offensively to add to his impressive defensive qualities.

At forward, four newcomers (James Acres, Sam Betts, JP Dontoni and Angelo Irving) will look to step into the shoes of Crusaders departed defensive talisman Walter Moyse. The four will be joined by five returning players; Paul Jessop, Lee Butters, Steve Findley, Pete Adkins and Mike Webber; giving coach Jesse Sazant plenty of options and a lot to think about when it comes to selecting his side’s forward line up.

Of all the forwards Findley has made the greatest improvements to his game during the off-season. Able to play at ether guard or forward, Findley has made a real effort to increase his number of minutes on the floor this season.

Veteran Crusaders forwards Jessop and Butters will also be instrumental to the side’s fortunes this season. Jessop, who was captain of the side last season, is a key point scorer for the side and offers leadership amongst his fellow forwards. Butters plays with masses of energy and heart and was one of the clubs leading rebounders last season despite being only 6’2 in a position dominated traditionally by much taller men.

Acres has also made an immediate impact with his aggressiveness offensively. Acres previously played with a number of Crusaders players, including Robbie Parker, as a youth with London Towers, “I played with a few of the guys at Towers when I was growing up so its nice to play with some of them again.”

Paul Jessop, once again elected captain of the side, said he was proud of the vote of confidence he had been given by his side; “It’s nice that the team has confident in the stuff I’ve been doing and I want to improve further on that this season.”

Lyons who played for division 1 side Reading Rockets last season said he was enjoying his time with Crusaders and was confident of securing his place in the side. “They’re a really good group of guys at Crusaders and their very ambitious looking for promotion again this season so I’m looking forward to the season.”

Jesse Sazant and assistant coach Mads Olesen return to coach the side through their inaugural Division 2 campaign and Sazant is in particular is looking forward to having the opportunity to show what his team can do; “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of stepping up a division, we know that we wont be able to have an off night at any point this season we need to come out and compete every game.”

In a boost for Body and Mind Kent Crusaders coach Jesse Sazant, nine players instrumental in last season’s successful promotion campaign, have restated their commitment to play for the side.

The players confirmed for next season are forwards Lee Butters, Paul Jessop, Steve Findley, Mike Webber and Pete Adkins. Guards James Parker, Pete Ayling, Jeff Wadey and James Harris are also returning to the roster.

Lee Butters made himself a firm favourite with the Crusaders faithful last year with some gutsy, high energy performances. In a position traditionally dominated by much taller men, Lee makes up for his lack of size with sheer intensity and seemingly boundless energy.

Paul Jessop, captain of the Crusaders last season will be looking to recapture the form that made him Division 3 player of the year two seasons ago, after struggling with injury throughout a great deal of last season.

James Parker is likely to be central to Sazant’s plans next season. The 5’10 point guard has developed into one of the best in his position and with the departure of his brother Robbie Parker, Sazant will be looking for even more improvement from him this season.

Crusaders expect to add to their strength in depth and expect to announce more signings shortly.

Crusaders first home game of the season sees them take on the Southampton trailblazers in the National Cup Round 1, 30th September 6.30pm.

The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders have bolstered their side ahead of their inaugural EBL Division2 campaign by signing no less than six new players.

The names include former London Towers players Sam Betts and James Acres, Reading Rockets guard Damion Lyons, former junior Angelo Irving alongside Gary Davison and JP Dontoni, who at one time played together, alongside former Crusaders star Robbie parker at Kingston Wildcats.

With three of Crusaders best players leaving to pursue professional basketball careers in Europe (Robbie Parker, Walter Moyse and Ryan Richards) it is hoped that the new recruits will be able to step into the departing players’ shoes.

Davison joins from last seasons league rivals Eastside Eagles. Currently employed as a PE teacher in London, this 6’0 guard will help provide leadership for the Crusaders on the court as well as helping to maintain Crusaders scoring. Davison is a player Crusaders have been interested in for sometime and senior coach Jesse Sazant is delighted to have him stating “Gary will be expected to take on a significant role with us immediately.”

Dontoni, a 6’3 forward who also joins from Eastside is a strong and athletic player who is able to play much bigger than his size in a position traditionally dominated by much taller men.

Lyons, a 6’2 guard will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the side, having been involved in Reading Rocket’s Championship Play-off team last year. Originally from Wales Lyon’s knowledge and versatility will be a great asset throughout the long season ahead.

Irving is a 6′6 forward who played his junior basketball for Sazant with the Crusaders under 16s and 18s before departing for university. He will bring defensive toughness and rebounding to the squad.

Sam Betts, a 22 year old guard/forward from Maidstone, joins Crusaders from London Towers. Betts played junior basketball for the East London Royals, where he reached the U16’s National Championship before he moved on to the London Towers BBL team. Unfortunately Betts was unable to gain much time on the court with the elite London outfit and now looks to improve his game by playing for Crusaders.

James Acres, a one time Canterbury Jazz (which later became the Crusaders) U18’s MVP also joins from London Towers. Acres has strong Crusaders connections as his father was formally a coach with the junior Canterbury team. Acres played against Crusaders for Towers second team last year and impressed with his energy levels and intensity. “James has shown a real dedication to improving his game and should make a real impact with us,” said Sazant.

“James, Sam and Angelo are key additions to the team, we’re committed to developing Kent players and bringing back three Kent juniors is a big plus for us, they will also give us greater depth and create competition for playing time on our squad”.

Three of the Body and Mind Kent Crusaders brightest stars are on their way to Europe after securing full time basketball contracts. 6’3 guard Robbie Parker, 6’10 Canadian Forward Walter Moyse and 15-year-old star of the future Ryan Richards.

Walter Moyse, named Crusaders MVP for last season goes to Swiss league side Villars who play in the Swiss second division. Moyse, the first international player ever to sign for the club, had an exceptional season with Crusaders and is well deserving of the opportunity according to club coach Jesse Sazant; “Walter did an excellent job for us this season, taking on a key leadership role. We wish him all the best for next season.”

Moyse said that his time with the club had helped him in his ambition to play professionally in Europe, “My time at Crusaders has opened doors for me in Europe.”

Robbie Parker who leaves to join Germanys USC Freiburg came to Crusaders from London towers on the promise that the teams coaching staff could advance him as a player allowing him to fulfil his ambition to play professional basketball. Parker became the clubs first genuine star player and is the Clubs leader in points, field goals and free throws.

Sazant was delighted with the news “I’m really happy for Rob he has worked hard for this and I’m sure he will be a success with Freiburg.”

Ryan Richards, currently in Estonia with the England U16 team at the European Championships has secured a scholarship with a prestigious Spanish Academy.

Ryan a 6’8 forward who has only just turned 15 is a product of the Crusaders clubmark accredited training system and impressed with his performances playing for the senior side last season.

Body and Mind Kent Crusaders are proud of their role in developing young British talent, “We believe our focus on player development is the strongest in the EBL,” said Sazant, “We’re committed to give talented British players the opportunities to pursue professional careers.”

Although the departure of the trio will be a loss for the club Crusaders are currently in the process of recruiting more players and announcements about new signings are expected shortly.