MADRID, 22 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Ricky Rubio admitted this Wednesday that he would “like” to play the 2023 World Cup with the Spanish team, as long as his physical condition allows it, for which he reiterated that he must be “patient”, at the same time that he highlighted the “incredible group” that was proclaimed world champion in 2019, in “one of the happiest days” of his life.
“Every day I feel better. It’s been a long time away from the courts, so I’m really happy to be doing what I like the most. It’s frustrating to be injured, and as you get older you see things differently , in a more mature way. You want to return in the best possible shape and enjoy this sport as much as you can”, Rubio reflected in an interview with FIBA ??collected by Europa Press.
The point guard tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on December 29, 2021, an injury that kept him off the slopes for more than a year. “I like the role of a veteran that I have. I love helping the younger ones in the same way that others helped me before me in my career,” he commented on his role in these Cavaliers.
The one from Masnou highlighted the “spectacular tournament” of Sergio Scariolo’s men in the last Eurobasket, in which they were proclaimed champions. “I was very moved and I was very happy to see them play that well and take the trophy home. They played a great tournament and you could see the great chemistry and unity of the team. It was incredible,” he celebrated.
“It’s a great example for everyone of how medals are won. They played with great intensity. We have a wide range of players and they showed the special stuff they are made of by stepping up. They believed in their chances and Scariolo did a great job with the youngsters who didn’t have so much international experience. It was brilliant from a brilliant coach,” Rubio praised.
The point guard did not hesitate to praise the role of the brothers Juancho and Willy Hernangómez, “two very good players” and “prepared” to assume a relevant role. “They have been playing with the national team for years and they knew what had to be done to perform at the highest level. Juancho’s final and Willy’s tournament did not surprise me at all. They love playing for their country,” he said.
Ricky Rubio recalled the final of the last World Cup in 2019, when they beat Argentina (75-95), in “one of the happiest days” of his life. “Winning a World Cup is incredible and to know that you have helped your country to achieve it is just fantastic, unique, incredible,” he said.
“The human group was simply incredible. This tournament was very, very competitive, we had incredible battles against many teams, but we achieved our goal: to be world champions. I will never forget the happiness we felt when we lifted the cup and took it home “, he added.
And Rubio did not rule out being in the 2023 World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. “I’m still getting back to my competitive rhythm and we’re still far from the start of the World Cup so I have to be patient. But if I’m healthy, I’d like to play. Although there are months ahead and I’ve just returned to the courts after a long time away,” he confessed .
“The World Cup is a world class showcase in which everyone wants to compete to the maximum. There are already classified teams that are very good and everyone wants to take home the medal. With the Games, these are two very important years and everyone wants make the most of this opportunity to shine, to win titles and medals”, he concluded.
