A TALENTED American basketball player is set to play for Wales - thanks to his Newport roots.

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Kilmartin is able to compete in the under-18s European Basketball Championship in Cardiff this summer.

Determined Ryan, who attends Charlotte High School in Carolina, is preparing for the event which takes place later this month.

Ryan's family hails from Newport where his grandparents, Sid and Ros Riley, still live.

His mother Jane, a former pageant queen, won the Miss Wales title in 1984. She also represented Wales in Miss International and Miss Universe.

Jane, who runs a modelling business back home in Carolina, is extremely proud of what her son has accomplished.

"He really didn't expect this. He was cut from his school team, so decided to practise every day. He completely changed his life in order to play, which is a big thing to do at his age."

Ryan is the only American player participating in the championship. He said: "I feel proud that I can represent both countries. Not many people can say that in the States."

And the 6ft 4in forward would like to carry on with his favoured sport and play for Europe just like his father, Sean Kilmartin.

American-born Ryan flew to the UK twice for a series of training sessions. He has visited Newport around 30 times.

"I like Newport a lot. It's very different in the States so it's nice to experience a different environment. I come back to Newport every Christmas and sometimes in the summer, too."

Grandfather Sid Riley, of The Moorings, Newport, said: "I've always been proud of him. He's a gentle giant and the loveliest boy you could meet. We're all looking forward to next week."

Mum still misses Newport Jane, 43, grew up on Chepstow Road. She attended Eveswell Primary and St Julians Comprehensive. She moved to America 20 years ago.

"I was in Spain working in hair shows when I met my husband," she explained.

She married Sean, a stockbroker and former basketball player, in Christchurch, Newport, where sons Ryan and 14-year-old Alex, were christened but decided to settle in Carolina.

"It took me two years to actually start getting used to the differences. The weather is always beautiful here, and it's a brilliant place to bring up children.

"But I still miss Newport. It was a lovely place to grow up. There have been plenty of changes since I left but I was born and raised here."