The 2019 FIBA World Cup is over and Spain emerged victorious after defeating Argentina with a wire-to-wire 95-75 victory on Sunday. Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio's evening became even sweeter after FIBA officially named him the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
.@rickyrubio9 is the @TISSOT MVP of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019! 👏🏼 #EspañaGotGame #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/MhlDvk2ey0
— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) September 15, 2019
Rubio was magnificent for Spain, which finished with a spotless 8-0 record for the entire tournament. In eight games, he averaged 16.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 6.0 APG, while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three. He, likewise, connected on 37 of his 44 total attempts from the free throw line, good for 84.1 percent.
The 28-year old Spaniard was even better through Spain's final three games of the tournament. His averages bumped up to 19.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 8.0 APG, on 46-36-83 shooting splits.
Rubio capped off his World Cup MVP campaign with an incredible performance in the finale. He scored 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe, and added six rebounds and three assists.
Rubio only previously had just silver and bronze. Spain finished second in the 2016 Rio de Janiero third in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With Spain's win tonight, Rubio finally bags that elusive gold to complete his medal set. In addition, he adds an MVP hardware to his trophy case.
It's hard to imagine how this experience could eventually help Rubio when he suits up for the Suns this season. It appears like the former no. 5 overall pick has already reached his summit as a player in the NBA.
Nevertheless, some players have often come back much better after participating in international competition over the summer. Perhaps this experience of going through a championship could unlock an aspect of Rubio's international game that we have yet to see in the NBA.
Follow Us
Subscribe