Spain's title defense will get a book boost if the former MVP returns healthy.
Spain, the 2019 FIBA World Cup winner, might get its veteran floor general back in time for this year’s FIBA World Cup in August.
Ricky Rubio, the La Roja’s starting point guard when it won the last edition of the world’s biggest hoops conclave, has told the Spanish media that he wants to play for Spain in the next FIBA World Cup and help the Spaniards retain their crown as the world’s basketball kings.
The 2019 FIBA World Cup Tissot MVP, missed the last EuroBasket as he recovered from a torn ACL, which he suffered in December 2021 while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA.
"If [Sergio] Scariolo puts me on the list, yes, I will be at the FIBA World Cup," said Rubio, who made his senior team debut at the age of 17 back in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He has since suited up for the Red One in two more Olympiads (2016, 2020) and three FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2019)
"I have it clear, I really want to play, I feel good physically," Rubio added.
It remains to be seen whether or not Scariolo, the same coach who led Spain to the 2019 FIBA World Cup title, will include the 32-year-old Rubio, who averaged 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists in the last edition.
However, if Rubio is truly healthy as he claims to be, then Scariolo might have to seriously consider tapping the services of the heady playmaker as the La Roja tries to defend what Spanish legend Pau Gasol described as “the hardest trophy to win in basketball.”
Spain has been drawn to Group G in this year’s FIBA World Cup, along with Brazil, Iran, and Cote d'Ivoire. They will play their preliminary stage games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The FIBA World Cup tips off on August 25.