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Published on December 18, 2007

The 22-year-old will receive US$700 a week and will join several international players in the team, which plays in the Premier Basketball League (PBL) - a new ten-team league - for the season from January 4.

"It was not until the contract was signed did I realise that it was no joke. It has been a dream since childhood. I'm my country's representative and will do my best," said the Thai, better known as 'JO'.

"It will be my first time there. I will try to overcome the pressure to be an inspiration," Rachadech said.

Vice-President of PBL's Global Strategies Mark Schlossenberg, who had watched the Thai during the finals of the SEA Games, said he was impressed by Rachadech's amiability.

"We have chosen him as he is friendly and talented. We hope 'JO' will draw more attention of Thais living in the US towards the sport. We plan to bring our star team and a street ball team here after the season for a special match for the Thai fans to get a chance to see their player and his team-mates," he said.

The former Thiew Pai Ngarm player is the best three-point shooter in the Kingdom, which landed him the top-scorer title at the Bangkok Universiade. The Thai was also named the 'Most Valuable Player' at the 2005 and 2006 King's Cup Championships.

The Nation