Spanish basketball star Ricky Rubio makes a return to the court as he is named to Spain's national team for the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers. The talented point guard was selected by coach Sergio Scariolo for the games against Latvia and Belgium, scheduled for February 22 and 25.
Rubio recently signed a short-term contract with Barcelona, marking his comeback to professional basketball one month after he announced the end of his 12-year NBA career. However, he has yet to make his debut for Barcelona, raising the possibility that his first game back will be with the Spanish national team.
The 33-year-old Rubio had taken a hiatus from the sport to address mental health issues but has now agreed to play for the remainder of the season. His initial departure from basketball occurred in the summer of 2023, during Spain's preparations for the FIBA World Cup.
With Rubio's return, there is now a potential pathway for him to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer. Although Spain has not yet qualified for the Games, they have an opportunity to secure a spot through the upcoming 2024 FIBA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia from July 2-7. In the first round of the tournament, Spain will face Lebanon and Angola.
Rubio's basketball career has been illustrious, starting from a young age when he captured the attention of scouts and fans as a 14-year-old prodigy. He has represented Spain on numerous occasions, winning an Olympic silver medal in 2008, a bronze in 2012, and being named the FIBA World Cup MVP in 2019.
The decision to sign with Barcelona followed a week of training with the team, during which Rubio evaluated his progress in the final stages of recovery. The agreement between Rubio and Barcelona is contingent on his continued improvement, ensuring that he is fully fit for competition.
The return of Ricky Rubio to the basketball court undoubtedly adds excitement to the sport and raises hopes for the Spanish team. As fans eagerly anticipate his first game back, they also look forward to the potential success Spain may achieve in the upcoming qualifiers and, hopefully, at the Paris Olympics.
