EAST OFFERS NEXT STOP FOR RYAN

Surrey Scorchers’ A-List recruit is already looking East.

It’s been a tough campaign so far for the Guildford outfit and with just two wins to their name, the goal of making a third straight play-off appearance is getting more and more difficult with each passing game.

But while Scorchers’ head coach Creon Raftopoulos looks to add to his short-handed roster, he can at least call upon a Great Britain international to bolster the ranks over the next few weeks.

Ryan Richards, a second round NBA Draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs in 2010, has signed for the Scorchers on a short-term basis, with the forward determined to help their turn their fortunes around.

“While I’m here it’s all about wins and I want to help get this team in a play-off position,” he said.

“Maybe I’ll be off before then, but who knows?”

The 27-year-old made his debut on Saturday in the BBL Trophy – just missing out on a double-double with 14 points and 9 rebounds – but was unable to stop the Scorchers crashing out to lower-league Worthing Thunder.

“[Worthing] earned the win,” he admitted. “They shot the ball well, they drove to the basket well and played to their advantages, so all credit to them.

“They are a unique team.”

Having fought his way back from the injury that curtailed an abortive spell in Taiwan at the outset of the campaign, Richards was happy to be playing again and his biggest concern now is getting into playing shape.

“It felt really good to be back out there,” he enthused.

“I’m 100% healthy now, so it’s all about getting my wind up and my stamina up.”

While he’s out to help the Scorchers as much as possible over the next few games, it’s also about earning that next contract.

And Richards had a good idea where he would like to end up.

“My market is Asia and I’m happy with that,” he said, adding, “though I’d love to give the [NBA] G-League a shot.

“I’ve been in Asia for the last four years, making my money and taking care of my family.”

Richards added, “I spent a lot of time in Iran, which I loved, the Middle East was decent, but I’ve got my sights set on China, Japan and those markets.

“Nothing against Europe, I would go there but I just feel Asia is the best place for me to be, with my skill set and the way I like to play.”

Until that opportunity arises, Richards is looking forward to helping the Scorchers over the holiday period.

He believes the Guildford-based side can get back to winning ways.

“I’m confident we can beat both Plymouth on Friday and the Royals,” he insisted.

“The Royals is a big game for me as Ashley Hamilton is like a brother.

“We lived together for two years in Spain, so it’ll be nice to play against him.”