By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In the cruel world of sports, seeking suitable replacements following any kind of setback is a necessity, similar to Spain’s senior national team replacing Ricky Rubio with promising prospect Juan Nunez on the way to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Nunez, 19, was confirmed by the Spanish Basketball Federation as the replacement for Rubio Monday evening.
The former player of Real Madrid is coming off winning Germany’s easyCredit BBL with ratiopharm Ulm and is looking toward the 2024 NBA draft. At the international level, earlier experience with the senior national team amounts to eight games played.
Success at the junior level includes the MVP award to go with the gold medal in the 2022 FIBA U20 European Championship. Back in 2019, he was named in the All-Tournament Team helping Spain capture gold in the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship. He also played in the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship.
Rubio, 32, previously withdrew from the squad intending to focus on his mental health.
Spain working toward the FIBA World Cup
With the training camp and preparation games underway, the team coached by Sergio Scariolo carries Alberto Abalde, Alex Abrines, Santi Aldama, Dario Brizuela, Victor Claver, Alberto Diaz, Jaime Fernandez, Rudy Fernandez, Usman Garuba, Juancho Hernangomez, Willy Hernangomez, Sergio Llull, Joel Parra, Jaime Pradilla, and Sebas Saiz on the extended roster. Twelve players will eventually make the cut on the final roster.
The lack of point guards pushed Nunez into the list, a few weeks before official action tips off in Jakarta. The reigning World Cup and EuroBasket champions are set to compete in Group G of the preliminary round, taking on Ivory Coast, Brazil, and Iran in Indonesia Arena between 26 and 30 August. The top two teams will advance to the next round, placed in Group L. The bottom two teams will instead continue the FIBA’s flagship event battling for a spot from 17th to 32nd on the final rankings.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL