Is Rubio going to be the next star out of Europe?

[by Kris SANTIAGO] - Merhaba! Yes, you may hear it all before, but it's undeniable that this kid out of Spain could be elevating himself to a legitimate star if he succeeds in the World Championships this year.

The 19-year old (!) point guard already proved to belong to the best by winning the Euroleague-title a month ago and his team Regal FC Barcelona is also on route to be crowned champions of the domestic league.

Now the sole question is, will be Ricky able to lead the Spaniards to a surprising win over the heavily-favored U.S. Americans?

If he does, even without the support of Pau Gasol, then Ricky should be considered as the next big star out of Europe following the footsteps of players such as Drazen Petrovic, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker or Dejan Bodiroga.

His next goal would have to be winning the NBA-title to prove doubters wrong. Compared by many to legendary "Pistol" Pete Maravich, the speedy Catalan is acting calm and relaxed under the circumstances given.

Needless to say, that he loves being at home surrounded and protected by his family in Catalonia after turning down to play for the troubled Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA and opted instead to join Barca to snatch "Euroleague Rising Star" honors this year.

With a backcourt consisting of Barcelona-teammate Juan Carlos Navarro and Rubio, along with NBA-center Marc Gasol, NBA-guard Rudy Fernandez and charismatic forward Jorge Garbajosa, the Spaniards should be having no problems to advance at least to the quarter-finals if not the final itself.

The month of August and the World Champs are just two months away, but after checking out the highlights of Ricky on the videos below, I wish they would start within some minutes.

I'm out like doubters.