Ricky Rubio is considered one of Spain’s best exports to the NBA in the past decade. The young Spaniard was always a popular name when he played in Europe. Hailing from El Masnou, Rubio idealized Basketball greats in the hopes of one day being as good as his idols, if not better. He was even praised by Pau Gasol early in his career, when the Hall of Famer appreciated the young Point guard’s skills, saying that he was nothing compared to Rubio when he was 17. This article aims to provide insights into Ricky Rubio's journey towards recognition and success, highlighting his international career representing Spain, and his franchise basketball history thus far.
Ricky Rubio National Team
Ricky Rubio represents team Spain as a Point guard. On every occasion, Ricky has donned the Red and Yellow jersey with a sense of pride and unwavering commitment. As part of the Spanish national team, often regarded as one of Europe's most dominant squads, Rubio has competed against some of the world's best players on numerous occasions.
Ricky has represented Spain in the U16 European Championship, U18 European Championship, the Olympics, the EuroBasket, and the FIBA World Cup on multiple occasions.
Ricky was part of team Spain for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. There was lots of anticipation regarding Ricky’s role in helping Spain retain their world champion status as he averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, six assists, and 1.5 steals in eight games played.
To the shock of many, unfortunately, he announced that he will be taking time away from the game citing mental health and family as the main reasons.
Early Life and Beginnings in Basketball
The sport of Basketball grew on Ricky from a humble, young age when he started playing for junior teams in Barcelona. His talent quickly became evident, attracting attention from scouts across Europe. At the soft age of 14, Rubio made history by becoming the youngest player ever to debut in the Liga ACB; the top-tier professional basketball league in Spain.
As he continued to hone his skills throughout his teenage years, Rubio gained international prominence by representing Spain in various youth competitions. In particular, he played a crucial role in leading the Spanish national team to victory at the 2006 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and was subsequently named tournament MVP.
In Conclusion, Ricky Rubio's journey from a young prodigy in Spain to establishing himself as one of basketball's most respected players has been remarkable. Rubio continues to inspire aspiring athletes worldwide through his immense skill set and unwavering passion for the game.
FAQs
A. Ricky’s full name is Ricard Rubio Vives.
A. Yes. Ricky, as part of team Spain, won the World Cup and the gold medal in 2019.
A. A total of three; the Liga ACB, the EuroLeague, and the NBA.
A. Three; EuroBasket (2009, 2011), and the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
