ESP - Rodriguez unwavering in commitment to Spain

PORTLAND (EuroBasket 2007) - The way Sergio Rodriguez has collected titles and honours in his life, one would think he might find it hard to pick out the most meaningful accolade.

There was the MVP award he claimed at the U18 European Championship Men in 2004 after leading Spain to the gold medal.

He had a terrific couple of years with Estudiantes, playing in the ACB and Euroleague.

Then there was the day Rodriguez was a first-round selection in the 2006 NBA draft by Portland.

It’s another honour that ranks highest for the 20-year-old Rodriguez, though.

"Winning the World Championship was the best thing in my life,” he said on hoopsworld.com.

“It was a great moment for all of Spain. I enjoyed it and I want more titles with Spain.”

And Saitama enjoyed Rodriguez.

He was, quite simply, amazing in Spain’s thrilling semi-final win over Argentina in Saitama.

In just 15 minutes, Rodriguez turned an already fast game into one that was lightning quick, playing to Spain’s strength.

He made all three of his three-pointers and finished with 15 points, while also dishing out two assists and grabbing two boards.

Rodriguez was so good that team-mate Jose Manuel Calderon, who had sat down for a breather, couldn’t get back into the game.

NBA too soon?

His play in Japan did not allay concerns about his decision to play in the NBA this year.

Fans in Spain feared he would not play much.

There have been games in which Rodriguez did not get off the bench.

Nate McMillan, the Portland coach who has tried to keep the pressure off his star rookie, may have no other choice but to play him considering his career-high 23 points on 11 of 14 shooting in Saturday’s game against Denver.

He had 13 points and six assists in the second period to help the Blazers score 37 points - their most in a quarter this season.

Rodriguez’s team-mate, Juan Dixon, marvelled at his talent.

"Sergio did a tremendous job of setting guys up, we were defending ... that was the best quarter we have played all year. That was beautiful basketball, man."

Speaking of beautiful, nothing is more beautiful than listening to what Rodriguez had to say when asked if he wanted to play at this year’s EuroBasket.

“I can't wait to compete,” he said.

“In Spain, it was a very big thing to go and win the World Championship.”

Simply put, it matters.

“Here, in the NBA, its seems that you mostly look at your own play or if you win the NBA title,” he said.

“In Spain, we look higher than that. Players want to be the best in the world, not just in their own league."

By PA Sport