words // Brandon Richard
Today, adidas officially announces their long-term partnership with Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio.
“Growing up in Spain I always loved the adidas brand and their products,” said Rubio. “The last few years they’ve really changed the game with new technology and style in basketball shoes and apparel and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Even at the young age of 21, Rubio is a highly accomplished player with a loaded international resume. The Number 5 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Rubio averaged more than 10 points, 8 assists and 2 steals and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in an injury-shortened rookie season. Prior to signing with Minnesota, Rubio helped the Spanish national team win the Silver Medal at the 2008 Olympics and became the youngest player ever in an Olympic basketball final. In an impressive European professional career that began at age 14, Rubio led FC Barcelona Basquet to the 2010 Euroleague title and was three times named the FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year.
“Ricky Rubio is a once-in-a-generation player,” said Lawrence Norman, adidas vice president of global basketball. “His work ethic and selflessness combined with his superior athleticism and playmaking have quickly made him one of the most exciting young players in the game. When you watch Ricky on the court and talk to him after practice, you understand his pure enjoyment of playing basketball and that makes him a perfect fit for our brand.”
Rubio will be featured in a variety of upcoming adidas marketing initiatives and will play a role in the development of basketball footwear and apparel.
Follow the conversation @adidsaHoops on Twitter.
