By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The latest break for Ricky Rubio is coming to an end with a return to Joventut Badalona.
The news was reported by Xavi Ballesteros on BDN on Monday morning.
With the official team announcement pending, excitement is already building around the reunion of the 34-year-old point guard with this first team.
Almost two decades since his departure in 2009, he remains a fan favorite. At 14 years and 11 months, he debuted in the ACB with his parent club in 2005 and went on to enjoy plenty of early career success, before moving to FC Barcelona and being selected with the fifth overall pick of the NBA draft in 2009. After two years with Barca, he spent the next 12 in the NBA, suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
A similar agreement with Badalona was reported last summer but was eventually denied by Rubio. Following a recent emotional and revealing interview, the El Masnou native is now prepared to return to action, as noted.
A pause in 2023 to focus on his mental health led to his retirement from the NBA, with a total of 712 appearances. A brief return to Barcelona at the bottom end of the 2023-24 season was followed by another break from professional basketball, stretching through the 2024-25 season.
In addition to resurfacing in Spain’s Liga Endesa and other domestic competitions in the 2025-26 campaign, Rubio will also introduce himself to the Basketball Champions League. The continental challenge will start in Group C of the Regular Season, opposite Hapoel Netanel Holon, Cholet, and one more team coming out of the Qualification Rounds.