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Ricky Rubio from Spain sits for a television interview after being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft in New York, June 25, 2009.Photograph by: Lucas Jackson, Retuers |
BARCELONA - After pulling out of a move to the NBA two years ago, highly-rated Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio has decided to leave Regal Barcelona to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves next season.
The 20-year-old Spain international was selected fifth in the draft by the Timberwolves in June 2009 but at the last minute decided to stay at home for two more seasons to be better prepared for the rigours of the American league.
“I have finally decided to go to the NBA. I have a dream that now can become reality,” Rubio told a news conference on Friday.
“The NBA will be very emotional, a difficult challenge but a very nice one,” he added.
Regal Barcelona confirmed in a statement on their website (www.fcbarcelona.com) that Rubio was moving to the Timberwolves, who had the worst record in the NBA last season.
“It's a bit scary because I have never left Barcelona before but I am very keen to take on the challenge,” Rubio said.
“I am not leaving because I think I cannot do any more here but because I believe I am ready and I am looking forward to it.
”I am going there to play against the best and triumph. That is what motivates me.“
Rubio, whose surname means ”fair“ or ”blonde“, is the latest Spaniard to make the transition to the NBA, following brothers Pau and Marc Gasol, who play for the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies respectively.
He has been compared in appearance and playing style to American former NBA player Pete Maravich, a five-time All-Star, known as ”Pistol Pete“ and who died in 1988 aged 40.
FIRST REFUSAL
Rubio's youthful good looks and floppy dark fringe make him a valuable marketing commodity and his sponsors include sporting goods maker Nike and restaurant chain McDonalds.
His contract with Barcelona included an option for him to buy himself out after two seasons and the Catalan club will receive 1 million euros ($1,436,500.000)as part of the agreement, the club said.
They also have first refusal rights over Rubio if he decides to return to Europe.
In his two seasons with Barca, Rubio won one European title, one Spanish league, two Spanish Super Cups and two Spanish King's Cups.
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