By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Rubén Domínguez is one of the brightest talents of Spanish basketball’s future. The Andalusian, after a sensational year at Texas A&M, faces the upcoming season with enthusiasm, having changed universities in the NCAA and with his sights set on the national team.
During the NCAA training camp in Madrid, under the guidance of Chus Mateo, Rubén spoke with Eurohoops about what lies ahead, his development in the United States, and what he expects from Xavier next season.
He began by expressing his appreciation for participating in this special training camp for young players who could be part of the future of Spanish basketball.
A different profile in Spanish basketball
“Well, the truth is I’m really enjoying it. It’s something different from what we’re talking about with my teammates, something that’s never been done before,” Rubén commented.
“I think it can be good. I’ve been lucky enough to get a taste of what it’s like with the first team because I’ve been invited and things like that. And I think it’s close to that, getting a taste of what it’s like to be with the staff, with such high-level teammates, and I also really appreciate the affection they’re showing us by doing this,” the Andalusian added.
A shooter like few others in our basketball. The player from Puerto Real averaged 40% from three-point range with the Aggies, and we all remember those eight three-pointers with 35 points for Surne Bilbao. When asked about his role on the National Team, Rubén was clear.
“Well, it’s true that it’s something the national team needs; I’m working incredibly hard so that one day I can have the opportunity, as I have before in the youth categories, to represent Spain. It would be an honor for me to do so at the highest level, especially considering Spain’s history and my family’s,” commented Xavier’s new player.
From Bilbao to Texas… and then to Xavier
From Bilbao to Texas. From the ACB to the NCAA, with all that entails. A challenge he has faced with courage, and one that has helped him explore other personal and professional facets.
“Honestly, it’s helped me a lot in terms of confidence and audacity. For better or worse, I entered the professional world very early, where fewer mistakes are allowed, where there’s a lot of perfectionism, because ultimately you’re trying to do things as perfectly as possible,” Rubén Domínguez told Eurohoops.
“It’s never going to be perfect, but you want to get as close to perfection as possible. And you enter an environment where, depending on your staff and everything, you can make mistakes, you can take risks, and it’s okay if you fail, and it’s not the end of the world. In the end, you grow a lot and you gain that audacity,” he commented about his development.
He gave a good example about one of the most confident players on the scene. “I always think a lot about (Jean) Montero. Without his fearlessness, he wouldn’t be half the player he is,” said the Spaniard.
A “different” year, where he went from strength to strength, becoming an important piece on a university team that reached March Madness and became a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
“It’s been different. It started very, very well. And then, unfortunately, we had an injury to our power forward. And I was playing stretch four, and I’ve never played a power forward before,” Rubén explained.
“I came from Spain as a shooting guard or small forward, and it hurt me a bit in the end. The physical demands of the SEC, which is the conference I’ve been in, the NBA, the wingspan, the long jumps, it was much harder, but I’m sure it’s helped me to do other things,” the Andalusian continued.
“Now, well, I had to secure rebounds 100% of the time, fight for the basket, push, well, I’m sure it’s helped me to do other things. Now, well, I had to secure rebounds 100% of the time, fight for the basket, push, well, I’m sure it’s helped me and if God put me in that situation, it was because I needed it, without a doubt,” the former Surne Bilbao player explained.
Now he’s packing his bags for the Big East, to the prestigious Xavier University. The Musketeers, who have fallen behind UConn, Marquette, Villanova, and St. John’s in their conference, are looking to climb back to the top, to return to where they belong.
“Honestly, after the year I had, it was very important for me to go to a team where I’m the first choice, their top target, and that’s exactly what happened. From the very beginning, I had a great connection with the staff, and they gave me everything I was looking for when I went on the website, and a really good situation, so I had no doubts,” he commented about his new destination.
The differences between NCAA and Europe
He took the opportunity to clarify the differences between European youth basketball, the ACB, and the demands of the NCAA and American youth basketball.
“Very different. It’s neither better nor worse, as you said, but there they have a culture of, let’s say, pushing you to work until you’re sick, until you’re on the floor. Being pushed so hard, or having you exceed your limits so much, ultimately makes you grow a lot,” Domínguez commented.
“And then what happens is that when you work so hard, when you’re in the game, you say, ‘I’ve worked for this, and nobody’s going to take it away from me,’ and because of that you have a different mentality. That’s what I notice is different,” he explained to Eurohoops.
Regarding his future, he prefers to take it easy, weigh his options, and work very hard during a crucial summer for him. He’ll see what happens after Xavier.
“Well, I’ll wait. In principle, according to the current rules, I can no longer stay in NCA because I had two years of eligibility. But we’ll see. And I’m honestly looking forward to returning to Spain because I love Spain. So, it’ll be fine. Either way, it’ll be fine,” he concluded.
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