Ricky Rubio shares thrilling sensation of his comeback to basketball / News - Basketnews.com

Ricky Rubio shared his feelings after his return to the basketball courts after 10 months and a period struggling with mental issues. The point guard also referred to his imminent debut with Barcelona.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Ricky Rubio has returned to a basketball court 10 months after his last apperance. The Catalan player, who recently joined FC Barcelona, was part of the starting five that Sergio Scariolo lined up Thursday at the beginning of the Spanish national team's journey towards Eurobasket 2025.

Spain / Schedule

Spain Latvia75-79 Belgium SpainSun16:30

The Spaniards lost to Latvia 75 -79 in their first meeting, but all the spotlights were turned on the point guard, who had been the game's ultimate star since his presentation in a packed Príncipe Felipe arena in Zaragoza, up to his ill-fated attempt to stage a comeback for the home side.

Even though the game ended in a loss for Spain, the momentous occasion of Rubio's return was enough to fill up the stands with fans.

In his first official game in almost a year, Rubio recorded 11 points, 1 rebound, and 5 assists versus Latvia.

Ricky, out for almost a year to take care of his mental health, had not worn the National Team shirt since Tuesday, August 3, 2021. It had been 933 days. He was in Saitama and Spain was left out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — which were held a year later due to the COVID pandemic — after losing in the quarterfinals against the United States, which ultimately took the gold against France.

Ricky Rubio's last game overall was with the Cavaliers on April 23, 2023, in the fourth game of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the New York Knicks, in which he played only 6 minutes. In the summer of 2023, after being called up to the National Team, he announced that he would miss the World Cup to deal with his mental health.

"I feel very good, incredible," he told reporters. "The truth is that I missed being on the court. The atmosphere is spectacular and young people come with a lot of talent and I also want to teach them a little bit of everything," said Rubio, who added that he felt like a rookie in his comeback.

"I was very nervous, but my love for basketball has always been there. It darkened a little bit [at some point], and now I have to dust it off to enjoy this beautiful game again," he explained in the mixed zone.

"It's like learning to ride a bicycle. It's going to be difficult, but I'm happy to be able to be on a basketball court again and grateful for having this opportunity," added Rubio, who was also asked when he plans to make his debut with Barca.

"I want to go day by day after being away for so much," he replied. "I will talk to the coach and we will see the possibilities."

The 33-year-old player signed for the Catalan team on February 6 until the end of the season. He began training under Roger Grimau on January 30, but is yet to play an official game with his club.

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