Draft Alert: Who Is Ricky Rubio?

The name should ring some bells in the minds of those who are close followers of U.S.A. Basketball, or payed the least a little attention to the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Rubio was a standout during those Olympics. As just a 17-year-old, he was a representative of Spain's Men's National team.

He started the Gold Medal game against the United States in the spot of injured Toronto guard Jose Calderon, and had a game that went far beyond that of his statistics (6 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL).

Rubio and Spain did not triumph during that battle with the U.S., however, he did leave Americans on the edge of their seats, and analysts and fans of all sort wondering how good he would be when he got older.

Now, Rubio is 18 and ready to take his skills to the NBA. He declared for the draft just hours ago and draft boards already have him being picked second, behind Oklahoma's NCAA Player of the Year, Blake Griffin. 

Standing at 6'3", Rubio has good size for a point guard. His athleticism, quickness, and potential are all above average. He averaged 9.9 points per game along with 5.7 assists last year for his Joventut team.

Turning only 19 in October, Rubio has plenty of time to improve his strength and jump shot at the beginning of his NBA career.

Rubio is already being compared by many as a Steve Nash or Jason Kidd prototype. His games is shaped around his phenomenal passing, exceptional ball-handling, keen court awareness, and quick-handed defense.

Throw in an offensive game and he is sure to prove those comparisons are accurate.

"Whatever time he decides to come here, Ricky's gonna be ready," said L.A. Lakers forward Pau Gasol. "He's a great player. He's got a lot of potential. He is so mature and developed for his age."

Rubio's offensive game has not always been needed in the teams he played for. The Spanish National team, composed of NBA standouts Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, and Jose Calderon, had plenty of offense without Rubio on the court.

However, he has let his game loose before. During the Under-16 European Championships, Rubio carried his team by contributing three triple-doubles and a quadruple-double.

In the Championship game, Rubio exploded for 51 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists, and 7 steals.

Just like any other international star, Rubio might need time to develop his game and become affiliated with the NBA. After a few years, though, he could become a star.