Aunty Bea's dream to watch Steven Adams play in United States

Steven Adams' former Rotorua teacher says he is a role model for all kids - no matter what sport they want to pursue.

This week it was confirmed the 23-year-old basketballer had signed a $US102 million ($142m), four-year NBA contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Earning about $35m a year, he has surpassed Team Oracle boss Sir Russell Coutts ($NZ13m a year) at the summit of New Zealand's sporting rich list.

Bea Yates, or "Auntie Bea" as she is affectionately known, taught a young Adams Maori Studies at Rotorua Lakes High School.

She said she got emotional when she saw him in the news because she could picture him in front of her in class.

"We are mega excited, over the moon, overjoyed," she said of this week's news.

She said he was a great role model because children could look up to him and say 'I'm going to be like Steven', and that could be through any sport.

She said it was her dream to go to the United States to watch him play.

Adams was "tops" in the basketball team at school - "he was absolutely fantastic", she said.

"He's a millionaire and we just can't get over it."

Sport Bay of Plenty CoachForce basketball officer Byron Vaetoe said the local basketball fraternity was "very proud and very happy" for Adams' success.

Mr Vaetoe played for the Tall Blacks for about 15 years and played with two of Adams' older brothers.

He said Adams came from humble beginnings and showed that, with dedication, perseverance and the right people - especially the coach - goals like this could be accomplished.

"So, the message for the young people in New Zealand is if you have a dream it can happen."

Mr Vaetoe said the Bay of Plenty had some great young players coming through.

Rotorua Basketball Association president Darrell Pene said he thought the contract was a "one in a million chance".

He said Adams had really taken every opportunity that came his way and worked hard.

Adams' success showed local young basketballers that playing in the college system in the United States was something they could aspire to, Mr Pene said.

And there is no shortage of interest in youngsters aspiring to be the next Steven Adams.

Mr Pene said for between three and five years the Rotorua Basketball Association had been over capacity in the number of players and could do with more venues.