Tobi Lawal says he is going to "live" in the gym as he bids to establish himself as an NBA player after being selected in the NBA Draft.
The 23-year-old was picked 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks after two years as a starter in the college game at Virginia Tech.
The 6ft 8in forward only began playing competitive basketball when he was 16 and developed his game with the City of London Academy.
He then left south London to play at high school in Maine before spending his first two years in college at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Like many prospects selected in the second round, he is viewed as a project player so will now focus on "getting a better feel for the game".
"I hope this provides inspiration to young kids that anything is possible," he said.
"I'm touching close to what I could be and how good I could become. I definitely believe that it can help me become as great as I want to be.
"In London it is hard to get in the gym. Now the gym is right next to my house. I love being in the gym. I love growth - as a person, in my faith and as a player. Now I can do that, I'm going to live there."
Lawal was one of 30 players picked during the second round of the NBA Draft in New York, which concluded on Wednesday.
The first 30 players were picked on Tuesday, with the Washington Wizards selecting former Brigham Young University small forward AJ Dybantsa first overall.
