READING Rockets have completed their first signing ahead of the 2019-2020 season with American guard Nicholas Richards putting pen to paper for the Rivermead outfit.

The 6ft 4in 24-year-old joins the Reading team having completed four years in college in the United States.

Richards attended Kirkwood Community College in his freshman and sophomore years, winning a national title before moving to Wilmington University for his junior and senior years.

He averaged 23 points, six rebounds and four assists as well as being named in the all-conference first team. He was also voted the Most Valuable Player of his university.

Richards comes to the Rockets on a one-year deal, signing his first professional contract, and is excited to join up with his teammates for pre-season which started this week.

The American commented: “I’m excited to get to Reading and play under coach Alan (Keane) along with the rest of the coaching staff.

"This should be an interesting season as we hope to accomplish the main goal, winning a championship.

"I can’t wait to come in and compete with the rest of the team and even more excited to join the Rockets, meet our fans and overall see what Reading has to offer.

"I'm ready for a great and exciting season.”

Meanwhile, Rockets chairman Gary Johnson was pleased to capture the signing of Richards and is looking forward to seeing his new star in action.

He said: “Nick comes to us highly recommended with a very positive CV, so we are really looking forward to seeing him play during this campaign in what is a really new-look squad.

"He looks to have a great pedigree and will really help us at both ends of the floor as well as off the court too which is so important for us.

"I know Alan is very much looking forward to working with him and we are excited with the squad we are putting together.