Michael Olowokandi, the new world basketball sensation, got his introduction to the game when he joined in a chuck-about on an outdoor court sponsored by the Hendon Times Group at Hendon Park three years ago.

On Thursday, Michael (23) was selected as the No 1 pick in the 1998 National Basketball Assocation Draft in Vancouver.

He will join the Los Angeles Clippers on a three-year-contract worth at least nine million dollars, and is set to become Britain's highest paid sportsman.

His selection in the draft means that he is considered this year's outstanding prospect in basketball.

He had never played the game competitively, until he enrolled at the University of Pacific in Stockton, California, but now the 71ft 1in giant could be facing some of the greats like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Karl Malone.

Son of a Nigerian diplomat, Michael was born in Lagos, but lived most of his life in North London. His ambition was to become an engineer, and he studied for his degree at Brunel University.

But all that changed when Michael, who was living at his family home near Hendon Central, took a short walk to Hendon Park, and joined in a chuck-about with other local youngsters.

David Schiller, player and coach with the Hendon Basketball Club for 18 years, recalled that Michael was a regular visitor to the court and showed great enthusiasm for the game.

"Though Michael had never been coached, it was not difficult to see that he had the ability to go right to the top," Dave recalled.

"He was big and strong, 6ft 10in then, with a great athletic ability. He would catch the ball in the post, turn around, take one step to the basket and slam the ball home, with people hanging off his arms."

Smitten with the game, Michael decided he wanted to play basketball in the USA. He picked up a directory of American colleges and called the University of Pacific in Stockton, California.

He was told that there were no scholarships left and he would have to fork out 21,000 dollars a year.

Michael had never played a game of competitive basketball, was very raw, but impressed the Americans with his ability to learn quickly, and had coaches throughout the USA flocking to watch him.

He's been smashing college scoring records, and has been named Western Division Player of the Year. Then came the greatest accolade last week - The No 1 pick.

"If he's improved so much in three years, at 23, how far can he go in another ten," said Marty Blake, NBA director of scouting.

Said Schiller: "Michael's achievement has been phenomenal - it's what millions of youngsters in the USA dream of. My friends in the USA who watch him say he's incredible."

"It only goes to show - the talent is out there. But what appears to be needed here in Britain is the injection of cash at grass roots level to encourage youngsters to develop their game."

Hendon have crowned one of their best ever seasons by gaining promotion to the National League Division Three after becoming London Metropolitan League champions, and Schiller is seeking sponsorship to the tune of £5,000 to help the club make further progress.

They also captured the National Founders Cup for clubs outside the national league, and won the London Metropolitan Cup, beating London Towers' second strings from the National League (Division Two) by five points in the final. Towers went on to gain promotion to the First Division.

Hendon's home has been the Middlesex University, Greyhound Hill, Hendon. But promotion to the National League means that they have to provide spectator accommodation, and has necessitated a move outside the borough to the Swiss Cottage centre.

"Our aim is to go to the top and join the Budweiser League. Perhaps we'll be fortunate enough to discover a youngster with that rare talent Michael Olowokandi possesses to help us on our way," said Schiller.

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