Ricky Rubio Barselona

The best young basketball player in Europe in 2007 and 2008, Ricky Rubio after the statement of the desire to play in the NBA has moved to Barcelona. Why it happened and what to expect from this transition more Ricky said in his first basketball interview with columnist official of his new club.

Finally concluding negotiations between the “Barselona” and “Juventut” you are satisfied with their results?

The truth is that the talks were rather difficult. But we came to mutual agreement, and now I want to enjoy the new team.

As you went through all this turmoil that has arisen around you, because so much has been said about what club you’re going to go … How it all really happened, and how you decided to join the “Barselona”?

When the season ended, I was going to go to the NBA. At the NBA Draft I was elected by a good number and I was pleasantly surprised, but I have not had a chance to go to the NBA. I tried but I failed, and now I joined a great club, with whom I’m going to win many titles.

Rumors about your transition lasted all summer, you’re 18, how do you cope with all this pressure?

You feel only one thing – pride, when all these great clubs want to sign a contract with you, but it is difficult to decide, because you do not know how the things will be in the future.

Were you satisfied when you were said to participate in the European Championship 2009 in the national team of Spain?

Yes, Sergio Skariolo spoke to me, the whole coaching staff supported me because they saw that I was very excited, and this is true, then I was incredibly excited.

“It’s nice to realize that I can play in the NBA, but my thoughts are only of the royal” Barcelona “, and for this team I will give all myself”

But the door to the NBA for you is not closed, just because you signed a contract with “Barselona”, and after two seasons you can come back in the U.S. …

Nice to know that I can play in the NBA, but my thoughts are only of the “Barcelona”.

Let’s talk about “Juventut”, whether it was difficult to agree on the transition to their competitors?

The question you had to ask those who participated in these negotiations, in particular Johan Creusa, our director of “Juventut”. I think that is normal when there is a big competition, but during negotiations, you should not think about who you are dealing.

You keep good relations with Juventut?

I have  spent several years in this team, and I have many good friends. And I would hope that I have kept good relations with them. I do not think that all our communications broke off, although I have not said goodbye to them. Yet few people I could say goodbye, and they supported me in my decision.

What do you think about how to become the most expensive “signature” in history? This adds pressure? You think that you can achieve something special with Barcelona?

Of course, I myself did not see themselves in such an amount, but if others do, it means that they believe in me. And I, in turn, am ready to compensate all that on the court.

Do you have a great experience to work under great pressure, since your debuted in the  ABC league as early as 14 years, 11 months and 24 days old.  What have you experienced that time?

While everyone says that it was very difficult, I do not think so. When you go to the playground, you forget how old you are and focus your attention only on what is happening around you.

In official statement by  Creusa he said that you’ll be an excellent addition to the defence side of the team. Do you think this is correct, or you hope to contribute as much in offence with your team mates Garden and Lakovic?

When the contract was signed, we had a conversation with Johan, in which he said that all three PGs could find a common language among themselves, and we can all play equal number of minutes in games.

What do you like to do more: to assist others or to score points yourself?

Both of these things I like equally. I like to create exciting moments. More interesting to observe the fast game, fans like passion.

What  personal achievements you want to accomplish playing in Barcelona?

Improve every year. Being the best in all aspects. I will train as much as I can to be the best, and then I’ll help the team win trophies and win titles.

“I think that with our arrival in the team and the club begins a new era, we must win, and the team for this, I am sure, is ready”

With you and the newly-arrived players, Ndong, Morris, Lorbek, the team is facing big changes?

I think that now the team looks very strong. Now on the court, we must show that such a great team as Barca signed a contract with us not in vain. I think that with our arrival in the team and the club begins a new era, we must win, and the team for this, I’m sure, is ready.

You have already spoken with someone from your new teammates?

I spoke with Juan Carlos Navarro, when we played together in the national team, and he also supported me in my choice.

Have you talked with Xavi Pascual?

No, we talked a few times, but it was before I moved to Barcelona. I think that our meeting will happen in a few days.

Andris Biedrins

Eurobasket 2009 ended more than 2 weeks ago but you haven’t heard all the news yet. 5 players from Latvia’s national basketball team were suspended by basketball association ranging from 1 to 3 years because of … you bet. Drinking!

It is said that team leaders were partying in clubs just the night before important games and were rioting against head coaches. The quintet are: Kristaps Valters, Armands Skele, Kaspars Berzins, Andris Biedrins (Golden State Warriors) and Kaspars Kambala.

Probably the most surprising is that NBA player Andris Biedrins also was drinking alcohol with other teammates although being quite important member of his team. Old habits die hard or offseason games aren’t so important not to let yourself relax?