Ricky Rubio has put his career on hold to take care of his mental health.
The Federación Española de Baloncesto (FEB) released a personal statement from the star guard regarding his decision, which came about three weeks before the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tips off.
“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB to understand my decision,” said the 32-year-old NBA veteran.
“Today, La Familia makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right,” he added.
This means that Rubio, a pro since 14, will no longer see action in the upcoming World Cup, where Spain is looking to defend the throne they won in 2019.
Integral to the 6-foot-2 floor general in that title run in China, averaging 16.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists on the way to winning MVP honors.
Having worked his way back from an ACL injury he suffered in 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers guard was expected to lead the repeat bid and was already in the team’s training camp until he decided to take a break.
It surely is a tough blow for the world no. 1, who’s already without Lorenzo Brown due to an injury. The naturalized combo guard was a major reason behind the Spanish clinching the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket championship.
Now, La Roja is expected to be led by the young Hernangomez Bros. and veteran internationalist Rudy Fernandez in the August 25-September 10 tilt.
Spain is pooled in Group G along with Iran, Brazil, and Cote D’Ivoire, with their Group Phase games set to be played in Jakarta, Indonesia.
