Rubio: Spain Won’t Fear US

Spain’s guard Ricky Rubio signals the US team is still one of the main favorites to win the basketball world championships. The Spaniard claimed though the team won’t fear the Americans, who despite of a weaker selection prepared for the tournament, are still able to produce surprises. Aware of the US big names missing, Rubio considers the US team strong enough to reach the final, if not winning the title. “The US are missing players like us with Pau but the important thing is the 12 players who will be at the worlds.”

“There is no point in thinking about who is missing. The US have enough quality to proclaim themselves champions and we will stop them. Obviously the US will be at an incredible level. Then you have Turkey who are preparing very well to play at home. Argentina, Brazil, you could name various teams.” US will face world holders Spain on 22th of August in a friendly that is scheduled to take place in Madrid, meeting which is able to show the main contenders level. “We will have a fantastic test and we’ll be able to see what level we are at and if we have what it takes to compete for a medal (in Turkey).” Rubio added the friendly match won’t be taken as revenge for the Beijing defeat if Spain wins the game. “That’s in the past and we have to forget it but at the same time learn from the mistakes we made and try to improve. It was obvious from the beginning of our training camp that there was a lot of desire to play the worlds.”

“There has been aggression in the training sessions, the level of concentration is very high and that’s positive for the group.” Rubio compared  – in humoristic manner – his role at the national team with midfielder Xavi who directs everything in Spain’s football squad. “The guard is the one who organises, the one who has to play the ball. You have to be the extension of the coach on the court.”