And he liked what he saw.

The 23-year-old American has arrived to rejuvenate the Rams, having finished is time at Salem University in West Virginia.

The Rams were defeated in their season opener, going down 89-68 to the Shoalhaven Tigers.

“Right after I got off the flight I came here to play a game so I had to settle in quickly but I’m settling in well,” Etchi said.

“I came in that first game and could already see that the way they were playing, they were playing together and I knew immediately that we were going to mesh and I’m excited.

“I see that we have things to work on and things to progress off of and that’s the best things about this game. You have something to take out of each game and you can work towards that next game.”

In terms of what he will bring to the side, Etchi grinned when replying “athleticism”.

There is plenty of excitement about the import, with his ability to take flight, dunk and provide the kind of flair not seeing in the Woolshed in recent times.

But Etchi, who was one of the top scorers in his side last year and one of the top five players in steals in the whole league, said there will be more than just a highlight reel.

“That (athleticism) is one thing that hits well with the kids but not only that, just being vocal,” he said.

“In high school and college that’s what I mainly did. I was vocal. I didn’t let people get down on themselves for missing a layup or a turnover, that’s the game and that’s how things go.

“You’ve just got to roll with the punches.”

While he is certain to make a huge impact on the court and help the Rams attempt to avoid a third straight wooden spoon, Etchi is also going to be busy off it.

Etchi has already proven a hit with local juniors, with a large crowd on hand to welcome him to Dubbo when he landed at the airport while there was a huge cheer from the crowd when he first took to the court on Saturday.

As someone who worked with children in the education system in America, Etchi has already jumped in and taken on a coaching and mentoring role.

“Growing up in the States I didn’t have that figure to show me the ropes early on as I would have hoped,” he said.

“I really only started learning around high school and college-age so coming here and being able to be in a good environment and teach them the right way to play basketball, that’s the key.”

And what is the right way to play basketball?

“Team basketball,” Etchi stated.

“Using the people around you to make each other better, that’s the right way.

“A lot of people see (NBA stars) Steph Curry or Russell Westbrook and it’s a ‘me, me, me’ type of game but those people around them make them better. They can’t do the things they do without the people around them.”