RealGM: Feature Article - Europe Interview: Ricky Rubio Of Barcelona

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Europe Interview: Ricky Rubio Of Barcelona

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Europe Interview: Ricky Rubio Of Barcelona

Authored by Erildas Budraitis - 31st December, 2010 - 4:08 am

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Despite a rollercoaster season where he is averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 22 minutes per game, Ricky Rubio appeared self-confident as he spoke with RealGM about his Europe career.

RealGM: Regal Barcelona?s roster with Kosta Perovic looks even better than last year?s. However, Regal Barcelona finished 09-10 regular season without losses, while this year your team already lost three games.

Rubio: We have space to improve. Last year, we had a good regular season and this year we?re irregular. Sometimes we play well, sometimes we don?t. It?s like a rollercoaster. You never know how the game will go. We have to find a way to play consistent.

RealGM: How have injuries to Juan Carlos Navarro and Pete Mickeal impacted Regal Barcelona?s game?

Rubio: We can?t think about that because they?re not in the game and they can?t help us. This year there must be more teamwork than last year because we have some troubles and we must stick together.

RealGM: You have had your ups and downs this season so far. Maybe one of the reasons why your game is so inconsistent is that you played in the 2010 FIBA Worlds and you didn?t have time to rest during the summer?

Rubio: Last summer, I didn?t play good and I was nervous because it was the first time for me. It was a different experience for me, which helped me to learn more. Sometimes you play good and sometimes things can go wrong and you need to understand that you have to practice and improve more.

RealGM: Do you feel comfortable in Barcelona?

Rubio: Yes, I?m feeling comfortable with the coach and with my teammates, who helped me a lot in the bad moments.

RealGM: It seems like your ?attacking mode? is turned off. Is it a part of the game plan?

Rubio: It?s just a part of the game. Sometimes you?re lucky with your shots, sometimes you?re not. But you always have to be ready to make those shots and you must always be aggressive.

RealGM: What happened with your three-point shot? You made a huge improvement last year and it seems like it regressed. Do you think it?s a temporary thing?

Rubio: I don?t know. Sometimes when you?re not feeling [your shot] you have to find other ways to help the team. Last year, I improved a lot in this kind of thing but now I?m not doing well. I have to help the team in other ways.

RealGM: Do you think we will ever see you become the big time scorer you were in junior level? Maybe not the 53 points you scored in one game in under-16, but it looks like you?re already not looking to score much at all. Is it fair to say that?

Rubio: No, I try to help the team. It doesn?t matter if you have to score 15 points or zero. I help the team and I don?t think about my stats.

RealGM: Are you in contact with Minnesota Timberwolves ? Are you talking about next year?

Rubio: I don?t want to talk about that because I?m not focused on the NBA right now. I want to help my team and the best way is to forget everything and just help my team.

RealGM: Will the lockout affect your decision to come to the NBA?

Rubio: I?m not making any decisions so it can?t affect at all. We?re going to see when the season will be over and I?m going to think about it then. But now I don?t want to talk and think about that.

RealGM: Are your going to keep playing for Spain national team this summer?

Rubio: Yes, of course. If they need me, I?ll be 100 percent for them because it?s a national team and I have to be ready.

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