ESP - Rodriguez ready to roll for Spain and the Trail Blazers

MADRID (FIBA World Championship) - Emerging Spanish star Sergio Rodriguez is full of optimism ahead of the FIBA World Championship in Japan.

The 20-year-old, who was recently picked in the first round of the NBA draft and will play for Portland next season, is already preparing for his rookie season in the United States but on July 10 will link up with the national team.

"We have to go to Japan confident and be positive even if we know that we will face difficult rivals who are in good form," the 1.92m guard said to www.feb.es.

Spain are in Group B with Germany, Angola, Panama, New Zealand and host nation Japan.

"A lot will depend on the confidence that we have and in what shape we arrive to the crucial times of the tournament," he said. "I am really looking forward to begin training in Cadiz (south of spain where spain begin their preparations), to play in the friendly games and see how things go from there."

Rodriguez says he is enthusiastic about his rookie campaign in the NBA after two strong seasons in the ACB with Estudiantes.

"I think Portland is a very good fit for me," he said. "This season they have won only 20 games and at this time it's a team without too much pressure that needs to grow.

"They have put their trust in me and that means that they see me as their player for their future and that gives me a lot of confidence.

"I am well aware that I will have to work very hard and improve a lot on my physique. I think I will have opportunities to play and that is very important in the first year. I will have to make the most of those chances."

By PA Sport, Exclusively for FIBA