Rubio Wins Second Young Men's Player Of The Year Award

For the second consecutive year Ricky Rubio of Spain has been named the FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year by fans voting online and a panel of expert judges.

Rubio also won the 2007 award after a year in which he led Spain at the U18 European Championship Men and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Danilo Gallinari
Danilo Gallinari of Italy and the New York Knicks finished second in the voting.
In 2008 he made the step up to the senior national team, competing for the Spanish side that won silver at the Beijing Olympics.

Under the bright lights of the world's biggest sporting event Rubio did not blink, averaging nearly five points, four rebounds and three assists in just over 18 minutes of action per game.

The then 17-year-old (Rubio turned 18 in October) used his quick hands and unselfish nature to impress and humble much older and more experienced players in the competition.

"Ricky gets better and better every time I see him play," commented FIBA Europe President George Vassilakopoulos.

"He is clearly one of, if not the, most exciting young player in the world and I look forward to watching him continue to develop."

"To see someone his age play like he did this summer in the Olympics, against the top players in the world was really impressive." added FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin.

"He looked right at home, and he left little doubt that he will be a star for years to come."

Domestically Rubio competes for ACB club DKV Joventut where he is averaging 8.2 points per game after missing part of the early season to wrist surgery.

FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Voting

YOUNG MEN            EXPERT    PUBLIC    RANKING
Ricky Rubio               1             2            0.9
Danilo Gallinari          2             5            1.9
Kosta Koufos             3             7            2.8
Omri Casspi              4             6            3.4
Milan Macvan             5            11           4.6
Vladimir Dasic            6             8             5
Donatas Motiejunas    7             3           5.2
Enes Kanter               8             1           5.7
Tomas Satoransky    9              4           6.7
Nikos Pappas           10            10           8
Mario Delas              11            9           8.6
Miroslav Raduljica      12          12          9.6