The leap of faith that saw him spend his first year out of college playing basketball in Denmark showed Ryan McAdam isn’t afraid of taking chances.

For the young man from Fairport, New York State, it was a daring step into the unknown.

With Whalley Range the latest stop-off on his European journey of discovery, the 24-year-old admits his sense of adventure isn’t sated yet.

And, as Manchester Magic’s latest American import, he is delighted to kill two birds with one stone as he continues seeing the world – and gets paid to play the game he loves just off Princess Parkway at the Amaechi Centre.

“In school I always wanted to travel,” said the versatile 6ft 4in all-rounder, who will mainly fill the three-spot for Magic.

“I was playing pretty well and had the opportunity to play abroad for a season and see the world at the same time. The language barrier wasn’t a problem – most people in Denmark speak English wonderfully well and I loved the country.

“It was a great experience and I was looking to play one more year abroad when the chance with Magic came up.”

A conversation with contact Terrel Ivory – the former Magic import, now a coach at the respected Davidson College – pointed him in the right direction and veteran Davidson head coach Bob McKillop, who nurtured top Magic graduate Andrew Lovedale in the States, helped pave the way for a move.

“I reached out to coach McKillop,” said McAdam, “And Terrell had only positive things to say about the club and Manchester.

“I spoke with (Magic chief) Joe Forber and checked out the club online and decided to come – easy as that.”

His baptism in the English League wasn’t so smooth, though.

A heavy defeat in the hot-house of Brixton’s home court, followed by a narrow loss at home to Bristol at the weekend, didn’t provide the ideal start to his on-court life in England.

But 25 points on his debut and 21 next time out showed he won’t shirk his responsibilities.

And, though his desire to win is unquestionable, he acknowledges he will have to take the strain if he is to enjoy success with a young Magic side.

“We will get better as we get our injured players back and we get to full strength.

“I know I will have to be a leader, along with players like Alan Metcalfe and Keith Page, to help the kids get confidence. I consider myself a shooter, a rebounder, someone who takes care of the ball – a smart basketball player who can do a bit of everything.

“My team in Denmark didn’t do brilliantly, so I want to win more this year.”

In the meantime, he is savouring the experiences of his new home – or as a recent Tweet says: “Hanging with Mancunians and listening to Oasis is a blast. Awesome. Manchester will be a blast!”

After the cultural delights, it’s back to work ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leeds in the National Cup – a trophy Magic have won twice in recent years.

“We’ve got the pieces, just need to get them in place,” he said. “I’m looking forward to next weekend.

“I here to do whatever I can to help the team win.”

MAGIC face Leeds at the Amaechi Centre at 5pm on Sunday. Entry is a cut-price £2.

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