Keilor Thunder import Magnus Richards has been learning on the go as he settles in the National Basketball League 1 South club.
Richards arrived in Australia to join the Thunder just two weeks out from the season and has had to quickly settle back into life in Australia.
Speaking before the opening round, Richards said he was ready to go.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “This team seems to already be gelling together, everybody seems to be excited.
“Everything is new, a lot of new players, a lot of new coaching.”
This is the American’s second stint in Australia having played in the NBL1 Central competition last season with Central Districts.
He averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game last season and was a key player for Central Districts.
Richards said he really enjoyed Australia and was keen to come back.
“Australia is incredible, besides the spiders and all that stuff,” he said. “It’s pretty cool.
“The opportunity was there. My agent said that Keilor was looking for somebody like me.”
Richards, who has played semi pro back home in America and played in Hong Kong, said he knew nothing about the Thunder before signing with the club. He also played college basketball.
He was enjoying his time so far.
“I’ve learned a bunch just being here, everybody has embraced me with open arms,” he said. “We had our first live practice last Thursday [the week he arrived in Australia] and it was like drinking out of a fire hose.
“It has been good.”
Richards said he’d heard good things about the NBL1 South competition when he was in Adelaide, with everyone saying it was really competitive.
The forward said he was ready to come in and do his part of the team. In the Thunder’s first game he scored 13 points but didn’t hit the scoreboard in the second game.
The Thunder in his signing announcement described him as a forward who is known for his resounding and tenacious defence and relentless work ethic.
“I’m excited to do my part and play hard,” he said. “I’m someone who goes out there and plays hard.
“I compete, I don’t like to lose, that’s big for me.”
The Thunder was back in action in round two against the Bendigo Braves on Saturday night, after deadline.
