Lucas Sáez-BravoSpecial envoy Zaragoza

Special envoy Zaragoza

Updated Thursday, February 22, 2024-22:14

From a "very dark place" to the light of Prince Felipe, from the darkness already buried to an ovation so heartfelt that Ricky Rubio's eyes shine, his half smile that is the full smile of all of Spain, the complicity of his companions.

Six and a half months later, where he left him, with the red of the national team, he returned to the point guard to the fullness of the ball's bounce, behind the black clouds, "like a rookie."

[75-79: Narration and statistics]

A February 22 to be remembered.

Ricky's day.

Spain could not celebrate it with revenge against Latvia, one of those victories that would have been a thorn in the side, since what happened in Jakarta still stings, the World Cup goodbye before time after the defeat against Luca Banchi's lethal shooters.

That tournament marked before it began, when Ricky left a hotel in Madrid to put a point that is now apart in his career, to take care of his mental health with the courage of those who do not hide the problems of he.

With all the spotlights on him, from the solo warm-up, his recovered routines, Ricky's serious expression and absolute concentration drew attention.

It was finding what he had been doing since before he was a child, with 14 in the ACB, with 17 in an Olympic final and with 19 winning a Euroleague.

And so.

Since April he had not played an official match and since August 2021 he had not worn the national team's shirt, in Saitama, when he scored 38 points against the USA in the quarterfinals of the Games.

It was difficult for Spain and Ricky to flow.

It was a completely tense first half, trailing by the Latvian momentum, by that dizzying and aggressive game that Banchi imposes, which surprised everyone in the last World Cup (fifth), although this time they were missing Smits, Zagars and Davis Bertans.

Despite Juancho's initial triple, the team clashed with the giant Cavars, who dominated the area and influenced almost everything.

To make matters worse, Joel Parra sprained his left ankle and did not return.

Brizuela's audacity woke up Sergio Scariolo's team somewhat, but three consecutive triples by the visitors (two from Timma) set an alarming maximum (22-34).

Ricky missed his first three throws, but soon began to find himself doing what he always did best, making others happy.

Special connection with Pradilla, to whom he left two bullfighting passes so that he could crush the hoop alone.

His first scoring debut was two free throws, in the rush with which Spain got closer to Latvia before the break (37-40).

But the return was a start over, again the hell, Scariolo's desperation.

It was already clear that Ricky had not yet regained his sense of touch, although he continued to fill Pradilla's pockets.

It was with Alberto Díaz on the court when the defense and the intensity finally shined.

The team was on time, although when Brizuela was able to tie he missed two free throws.

But Barça's guard was the man: he redeemed himself with two baskets, pure electricity, and Spain tied right at the end of the third act (57-57).

Soon, with a free kick from Sebas Saiz, the comeback was complete.

But Spain had rowed too hard and Latvia had aces left up its sleeve.

They stretched the rope again with their offensive rebounds, weapons of mass destruction, second chances that ruined every good defensive action by the locals.

And although Ricky returned to the track with every intention of celebrating his return with a gesture, it was not enough.

The one from Masnou assumed responsibility despite his previous mistakes, scoring the first basket, more free throws and a triple that Prince Felipe lit up.

He nine of his 11 points in the finish line to die on the shore, because before a triple by Lomasz had been fatal.

In that abyss of desperate comeback, Ricky himself missed two free throws that buried any chance of victory for Spain.

Although, for once, the result in Prince Felipe was the least important.

Ricky is back, Spain smiles.