Sergio Scariolo reveals insights into Ricky Rubio's comeback / News - Basketnews.com

Sergio Scariolo reveals that Ricky Rubio, despite recently signing with FC Barcelona, has expressed a desire for his first official game back to be with the national team.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Spanish national team head coach Sergio Scariolo shared insights about Ricky Rubio's return to the team after his mental health break.

Ricard Rubio

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:PGAge:33Height:193 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:Barcelona, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

Despite having only trained with FC Barcelona for a few weeks and recently signing with the team, Rubio has not yet returned to the basketball court since overcoming the mental health challenges that led him to withdraw from the national team's preparations for last year's FIBA World Cup.

"I wasn't with my phone in my hand every day, but I was waiting to receive that call," Scariolo said of communicating with Rubio, via Mundo Deportivo. "We have been in constant contact since last summer until three days ago. He told me that he would like his first official game to be with the national team, because he feels a special bond with me, with the national team, and with his teammates.

"It was exciting when he called me to tell this," Scariolo continued. "I told him to adjust his expectations, not to expect to be the MVP of the 2019 World Cup. It's a return process to be the best version of yourself. That takes time. You have to be very cautious and patient."

Spain is scheduled to play against Latvia at home on February 22, followed by a trip to Belgium to face them on February 25.

Full Spain's 14-man roster:

Alberto Abalde Carlos Alocen Dario Brizuela Victor Claver Alberto Diaz Jaime Fernandez Rudy Fernandez Juancho Hernangomez Xabi Loper-Arostegui Joel Parra Jaime Pradilla Ricky Rubio Sebastian Saiz Yankuba Sima Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.