OLYMPIC GAMES
Ricky Rubio rules himself out of the Paris Olympics
The former Timberwolves player requested not to be included in Sergio Scariolo’s pre-Olympic qualifying games against Angola and Lebanon.
Ricky Rubio has ruled himself out of going to this summer’s 2024 Olympic Games. He believes that “it would not be fair” on his Spain team mates if he were to be included as he has not taken part in the pre-tournament preparation. The 33-year-old point guard has declared he won’t be taking part in next month’s pre-Olympic tournament as Spain seek to secure a berth at the Games.
Four berths remain up for grabs. Sergio Scariolo’s team, who are in Pot 1, will be one of the teams involved in the FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Valencia, in which they will face Lebanon on 2 July and Angola the following day. Before that, Spain have two friendly games lined up - against Italy on 25 June and the Dominican Republic on 28 June in Alicante.
Ricky Rubio to make decision about his future
Rubio specifically asked not to be included in the pre-Olympic list. “I had already made my decision during the regular season,” he explained at a Ricky Rubio Foundation event on Friday. “ I would have liked to have gone, but I haven’t had time to get to 100 percent and it would be selfish to go when I am not at my best”.
As for those who could be representing Spain at this summer’s Olympics, Ricky said, “Whoever makes the list will have earned their place” but for him personally, he will be taking it easy at home and reflecting on whether he wants to continue playing basketball or not.
Ricky joined Barcelona in February on a short-term contract which expired at the end of the season. “I’m fine. I knew that there would be complications and that my return wouldn’t be easy. I would like to put the sensations I had during the season to one side to be able to have a clear head, and think about exactly where I want to go next”, he concluded.