Nothing Left For Rubio In Europe

Posted by David Hein Apr 22, 2009

NBA, get ready for Ricky Rubio!

Europe, once again another top youngster is leaving the Old Continent for the riches and fame of the NBA.

Ricky Rubio, Spain's 18-year-old playmaking sensation, has decided to make himself available for the 2009 NBA Draft in June. The DKV Joventut point guard really has nothing to lose and everything to gain with his decision. He already has achieved pretty much everything he can and developed his game far enough along that he can now face the next challenge of facing the world's best on a nightly basis.

Sure he could stay in Joventut for one more season and try to help DKV to a European club championship - either the Euroleague or EuroCup. Or he could do the right thing for a talent like him and go to the NBA.

Rubio has already played against players more than double his age since he entered the Spanish ACB league. And during the 2006-07 Euroleague season, he played as a 16-year-old in the best basketball league outside the NBA - some Europeans would even argue that the Euroleague is better than the NBA. And during that season, Rubio had the 32-year-old Elmer Bennett as his teammate and lead point guard from which to learn the ropes.

Since then Rubio, who people unfairly compare him to Pete Maravich because of his similar looks, has established himself as a defensive ace and a strong playmaker with excellent decision-making and passing skills. His scoring has taken somewhat of a back seat but the youngster knows how to score as he proved by dominating the U16 European Championship in August 2006, scoring 51 points to go with 24 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals.

It may take him some time to build up the confidence - and the jumpshot - to be a quality scorer in the NBA. But Rubio will make his mark with his defense and passing skills.

Some experts believe Rubio will be picked second in the draft behind Oklahoma's power forward Blake Griffin. Regardless of where he goes, the NBA team will get a polish product with unlimited potential.