Rubio: ''I really want to play'' at the World Cup

BARCELONA (Spain) - The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Tissot MVP, Ricky Rubio of Spain, has firmly declared his wish to suit up for the national team this summer and help it defend the title it won in China.

Rubio, 32, missed last summer's EuroBasket while recovering from injury but is healthy and excited about a return.

"If Scariolo puts me on the list, yes, I will be at the World Cup ," he said to the Spanish media.

"I have it clear, I really want to play, I feel good physically."

Rubio was sensational in China, averaging 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists as Spain went undefeated.

If SCARIOLO PUTS ME ON THE LIST, YES I WILL BE AT THE WORLD CUP ... I REALLY WANT TO PLAY, I FEEL GOOD PHYSICALLY.

Two years later he played for Spain at the Tokyo Olympics but in late 2021, after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, he tore his ACL and missed the remainder of the campaign.

Spain nevertheless went to one of the most competitive EuroBaskets in history and captured the title in Berlin. Rubio returned to action in January for Cleveland and played the remainder of the season.

At the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which tips off on August 25, Spain will play in Group G, in Jakarta, Indonesia, against Brazil, Iran, and Cote d'Ivoire.

The first- and second-placed sides will advance to the Second Round and face the top two teams from Group H, which consists of Canada, France, Latvia, and Lebanon.

FIBA