The host of 2014 World Champs

[rikhardur]

ESP - Rubio: "Playing the FIBA World Champ with the support of our fans would be fantastic"





MADRID (2014 FIBA World Championship) - Ricky Rubio, an 'absolute beginner' in the Spanish Senior National Team last summer, became in Beijing 2008 the youngest basketball player (18 years old) in history to have ever won an Olympic medal.



Rubio, a current true reference in Spanish basketball, will be almost 24 years of age when the 2014 FIBA World Championship takes place. Everything seems to indicate that Ricky will not only be an undisputed member of the Spanish national team in 2014, but also one of its key pillars.



Are you excited about the possibility of playing the 2014 FIBA World Championship at home?



Definitively. The fact of playing at home always provides you with an extra motivation and a surplus of excitement. I have been fortunate to play three European Championships in Spain and I know, first hand, that playing with the support and encouragement of the fans is something absolutely fantastic which brings even more excitement to everyone involved.



Most of the “Golden Boys”, the World Champions in Japan 2006, will be 33 or 34 years old in 2014. Do you think that any of them could still be on the team?



All players are very good technically. It will obviously depend on their physical shape. But I would love it if they could make it to the FIBA 2014 World Championship.



The Spanish Basketball Federation (FE is preparing a very ambitious and exciting candidature. Do you think that Spanish basketball deserves the organization of a championship like this?



Yes, without the slightest doubt. In recent years our national team has clinched a FIBA World Championship and a silver medal at the Olympic Games, thus meaning that Spanish basketball and our team are doing a great work and fully deserve to be selected as hosts of the 2014 FIBA World Championship.



Do you think that the group of players that could be the core of the Spanish national team in 2014 can aspire as much, can have as high expectations as the current squad?



Yes, no doubt about that. Over the past few years the Spanish League (AC is witnessing the rising of some very young and extremely talented players. And I believe that within six years our team will continue to be a top contender on the international scene.



In your opinion, what are the strongest weapons of Spain's candidature? What are the assets that you would like to mention to the FIBA Central Board members in order to convince them that the Spanish candidature is the best possible one?



Spain has already proven its great experience and professionalism in organizing sports events. In addition, our country has everything needed in order to organize a successful FIBA World Championship. We have great supporters, a fantastic weather, good basketball arenas, delicious food... And, last but not least, we are extremely keen to work for basketball and to help our sport grow.

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