Rubio's fierce passion for Spain helps elevate his game

GUANGZHOU (China) - Before Spain's final Group C game against Iran, the atmosphere inside Guangzhou Gymnasium was electric with the attention of the fans focused firmly on one player.

Ricky Rubio, a fan favorite in Guangzhou, was practicing his stroke from half-court and the roars from the crowd were all you needed to know. The Phoenix Suns playmaker nailed several shots in a row in his very best impression of Steph Curry's famed pre-game routine,

At training, he also turns heads with lights out shooting exhibitions around the arc.

Rubio's hard work at improving his long-range accuracy is well noted by NBA followers with the Spaniard widely regarded as an inconsistent shooter.

For Spain, however, Rubio has a knack of being a reliable bucket-getter and often is trusted to hit the big shot. It's not a wise idea to leave him open.

He started the FIBA Basketball World Cup against Tunisia with a TCL Player of the Game performance, scoring 17 points - including 3-of-7 from deep - and 9 assists. He has cooled off a bit since then but will no doubt be key to Spain's title chances as they enter the business end of the tournament after topping Group C.

"TO PLAY WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM IS DIFFERENT. YOU PLAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR FAMILY. IT'S HUGE."- Rubio

Rubio understands when he puts on the national jersey that he needs to assume more of an offensive workload. "My role here is to do both the scoring and control the tempo of the game. Make my teammates better," he says.

"I've been improving my offensive game the last two-three years and gained confidence. I'm more aggressive."

Raising his game for Spain has been something Rubio has done ever since bursting onto the international stage during his dazzling performances as a 17-year-old phenom at the 2008 Olympics.

He memorably held his own in the thrilling gold medal game against an almost full-strength USA lineup - featuring Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade - to become a household name internationally. 

Spain head coach Sergio Scariolo says Rubio relishes the extra pressure. "He feels comfortable. We give him confidence," he says. "He grew up with this group of players. He feels like he is a veteran and has extra responsibility and wants to lead by example. And he's a vocal leader at times.

"We know when he doesn't score, he is a great leader, defense player and our playmaker."

The 28-year-old has been a major part of Spain's golden generation highlighted by a pair of EuroBasket titles and two Olympic medals. However, he has missed out on the ultimate success at the World Cup with Spain disappointing in 2010 and 2014.

No matter what happens in China, Rubio will savior being around his brotherhood.

"Marc Gasol is the main guy here but me, Rudy (Fernandez) and (Sergio) Llull have a lot experience too. It's about learning from the others who have been here before and just having that respect," he says.

"To play with the national team is different. You play with your friends, for your country and your family. It's huge."

It's that type of special connection that ensures the Spanish sensation almost always delivers for his country.

Much to the delight of his army of fans.

FIBA