Some News on Rubio and Jennings

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 28, 2009 5:33 AM PST

(Many thanks to KFfCE for the great look at the two major PG prospects in Europe. -- TZ)

I did not catch the Sunday game where Rubio played, but according to the stats he is slowly getting into his shape. It was a game against ViveMenorca (i.e. 15th team of the ACB League with 17 teams altogether) and Joventut won comfortably 92:74, while Rubio was playing against Pooh Jeter. Anyway, his stats:

27Mins, 16 PTS (FG 6/9, 3PT 3/5, FT 1/1), 8 AST, 1 TO, 2 STL, 2PF, 6 PF received, 4 REB (all defensive). The ACB runs some sort of statistical ranking that I don't understand where Rubio had the score of 30, other players of his team where under 19 and the best player of ViveMenorca had 21...

On the other hand, Joventut lost their last three games in the Euroleague (with Rubio playing a minimum of time without any particular impact after his injury) and is eliminated... This means no more Rubio to be seen in Euroleague this year, but it means that if he really wants to win something he might take another shot next year. (Although a title in Spain might be enough, just to compare the competition - Tau Ceramica (leading the league at the moment) with Pablo Prigioni, Igor Rakocevic, Tiago Splitter (well, and Mustafa Shakur), FC Barcelona with Navarro, Ilyasova, Fran Vasquez, David Andersen (and Daniel Santiago), Real Madrid with Felipe Reyes, Louis Bullock and Alex Mumbru, Unicaja Malaga with Marcus Haislip, Carlos Cabezas, Jiri Welsch, Caros Jimenez, or Berni Rodriguez). The squad behind Rubio includes Luka Bogdanovic, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Jerome Moiso, Demond Mallet or Bracey Wright, so not exactly the same level of talent (after the departure of Rudy Fernandez). At least, Rubio should really lead the team unambiguously for the rest of the season. Their next game is on Sunday, if there is a link for a stream, I would try to post it here.

Now on Jennings. Lottomatica, on the other hand, managed to qualify to the next round of the Euroleague so there will be more play for him. Teams in their Top 16 group are Unicaja (meaning Carlos Cabezas and Omar Cook as the main pointguards to play against), Panathinaikos Athens (with Jasikevicius and Spanoulis at guard positions, but also including Mike Batiste, Dimitrios Diamantidis and Nikola Pekovic) and Partizan Beograd with lots of young players about whom I really don't know much (except of Slavko Vranec who doesn't play a lot).

In the two games in January (both losses), Jennings played 9 minutes (2 PTS, FG 1/3, 1 STL, 1 TO) against Fenerbahce and almost 30 minutes a week before that against Tau Ceramica (13 PTS, FG 5/6, 3PT 2/2, FT 1/2, 3REB, 2AST, 2STL, 0TO). A bit confusing, but playing against Pablo Prigioni and Igor Rakocevic with such numbers is pretty nice (well, if your criterion is a very good play against NBA all-stars then it's just a rubbish, of course - sorry for this ;))

And for those of you who endured this all, there is a link. Tomorrow Lottomatica plays Unijaca, the game starts at 11.45 of the Pacific Time. If you check the link like a couple of hours before the game, there might or might not be a link to actual streams, possibly you can browse the forum at myp2p.

That's it

(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)

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Wow KFfCE

Thanks for passing that along. You’re right about Rubio’s league: it’s a tough one, and with his injuries this season, it was only a chance to enhance how good he really is over there.

Out of curiosity, what do you think is more important: Winning the league you’re in, or EuroLeague?

Other things: thanks for passing that stuff along. It would have been nice if you provided a link to the stats (I’m a very new peruser of the EuroLeague), and it would be nice to have a little idea of how to navigate it before going in.

(English tip—not your actual words—they’re excellent on an English speaking basis: Most Americans would say 11am Pacific or 11pm Pacific time or something like that. But who am I? Just a fat cracka chillin in a cubicle in Seattle….However there is nothing wrong with the way you said it either. It was so unusual I thought I’d say something)

Great stuff KFfCE. Again, thanks for passing it along.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 6:15 AM PST reply actions

The link to the Euroleague webpage (a bit disorganized at first, but quite a friendly afterwards so you can find what you need there), Spanish leauge (I did not find an English version, but your Spanish would be hardly worse than mine), Joventut (in Spanish and Catalan) and Lottomatica (in Italian and English).

I do not have a clue on the ‘title’ thing, maybe Matenja would know more as I really have not heard Rubio talking about it before (but I really don’t follow him). To be honest, however, I don’t see the current squad of Joventut win anything this year.

An yes, sorry for the time-format, it is 11.45 am…

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 28, 2009 6:53 AM PST up reply actions

Thank you for the additional info

You’ve always been helpful in understanding some of the European game KFfCE. (And the time thing I noticed, as much as anything, because it seemed like something you would put on a wedding invitation.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 7:01 AM PST up reply actions

Well,

There have been like two games of the Kings this year where I did not fall asleep by the second half started (and probably just few more where I did not fall asleep before the first half began. Not at all calling for a move of the franchise to Maine or something, but it would be of some help… ). And I ended up watching the Spanish league (for examle) perhaps more than certain (hyped) teams in the NBA.

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 28, 2009 8:56 AM PST up reply actions

Do you think it's more important to win the Italian league (or whatever league a team is in?)

As opposed to EuroLeague? I’d be curious on your take on that as well.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

I'm gonna jump on this one cause I have some experience with European soccer

and I remember reading in other thread that the structure of soccer and basketball seems to be the same in Europe. The local leagues (ie. Spanish league, Italian league) bring a lot of pride to the teams. There are some real rivalries there, some that extend for years and years; teams really hate each other sometimes. Winning such a league gives you a lot of pride and a bragging rights sort of feel.

On the other hand, EuroLeagues are more of a prestige thing. It’s going against the best competition in Europe (in soccer, the best competition in the world, because of Europe having so many good teams). Winning those things pretty much means you are the best of the best and you usually get a lot of money from it.

I’m not sure how similar the soccer and basketball stuff is in Europe but those were some characteristics of how soccer is.

"Let's stop arguing and get together and agree on who really is the problem: PEACHES" - HighTops

by eduardo_m7 on Jan 28, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions

I would agree with this

The Spanish league (and generally most of leagues in the South Europe) is a very competitive and passionate competition (I posted some videos of fans some time ago and you can find many others on youtube). On the other hand, Euroleague receives a higher reputation, particulalry in media recently and it is also becoming more interesting for teams (and fans and players). If Rubio’s goal is indeed to win something before going overseas, I do not think it would matter (and maybe he would be happy enough to win the European Championship next summer)

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 29, 2009 4:15 AM PST up reply actions

I only think Rubio's chance to get significant PT

Is the only thing holding him out of the NBA. That’s the only reason KFfCE.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 29, 2009 5:07 AM PST up reply actions

..

What’s happen?

by Matenja on Jan 28, 2009 6:57 AM PST reply actions

I'm going through DX right now

And they’re talking about this guy. I wonder if he could help the KIngs long term off the bench as a fireplug guy along with Garcia to give this team energy or something. Seems like not a bad reach at Houston’s pick if they’re isn’t a PF out there to take.

I’m talking about Jonas Jerebko. He’s apparently a young up & coming SF in the Italian League right now.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 7:22 AM PST reply actions

he

would be a good option to the second round

by Matenja on Jan 28, 2009 7:27 AM PST up reply actions

That's what DX said too

But I don’t think there’s a great deal of difference when you’re talking about a late 1st round, and early 2nd round pick, other than the money is easier for a 2nd round pick to gain sooner.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 7:33 AM PST up reply actions

I saw that Jerebco article as well

they sure seemed to like him

So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,

Now set the teeth....and teach them how to war.
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Jan 28, 2009 9:16 AM PST up reply actions

Out of curiosity

I’m going through DX (and stumbled) across the reported figure of Rubio’s buyout to be 7 million euro’s? Is that a good guess? (I figure you might be able to cross check sources in Spain that the rest of us might not be able to do as well.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 7:34 AM PST up reply actions

mmmm

I think (only I think, I’m not sure) that Ricky’s buyout is around 5 millions euros. Anyway, that kind of information isn’t very common in the Spanish (or European) Press. I think that Ricky only will go to the Draft If the first pick is for him.

by Matenja on Jan 28, 2009 7:46 AM PST up reply actions

now I'm sure

and the buyout is 6 million euros

by Matenja on Jan 28, 2009 8:33 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Makes it easier for a team to lure Rubio over with a top 2 or 3 pick

He’ll make enough money each year to pay DKG Joventut back in a couple years. And still have plenty of money to buy a buttered ’scalade.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 1:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Rec for Buttered 'scalade

How much does Rubio make now. Is it close to a top 4 NBA rookie. Would the difference be more or less than what he’d have to pay to buy out of his contract.

If I’m 18, making alot of money playing at home where I’m already a star, I don’t gamble. I don’t risk my future by assuming a 6M euro loan, when my chances of a max contract is 4 yrs out, and a injury or poor performance ends my chances of a big payday.

I can see him entering this weak draft, getting picked top 3, and playing in Europe until the buy out is affordable.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Jan 28, 2009 2:42 PM PST up reply actions

I think it's the equivalent of 50K

But, don’t quote me on it. It might have been 50K of Euro’s he’s being paid. Either way, it won’t even be close.

I think the bigger issue with Rubio, and I’m going to do a big write up on this, is what chances he has of playing right away.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions

and as they always say

assists are harder to earn in the euroleague

by sdfd on Jan 28, 2009 11:17 AM PST reply actions

Its not clear to me(?)

How many more games are there going to be to see how Rubio performs? You say they’re eliminated fron Euroleague, how does that work?

Where does that leave them games remaining-wise?

So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,

Now set the teeth....and teach them how to war.
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Jan 28, 2009 11:44 AM PST reply actions

Rubio's team is eliminated from the Euroleague

But they still compete in the domestic league in Spain. I had a short comment in a discussion about how European basketball is organized into national and international competitions here.

In other words, Rubio will not play against the bet European teams, but he will still play against best Spanish teams (which is almost the same, to a huge extent).

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 28, 2009 12:21 PM PST up reply actions

Isn't the general rule

That the Italian and Spanish leagues are the 2 best? (I would think EuroLeague is more important to the French,Turkish, Israeli leagues and that. Well maybe not the Israeli league either. I’ve heard that’s a super competitive league.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 28, 2009 1:42 PM PST up reply actions

I think that at the moment the Spanish league

is indeed the best in Europe, with more top-tier teams than any other. On the other hand, Russian league is improving steadily even in these terms. But the European elite consists mostly of teams which are great long-term, though not possibly having such competition at home (CSKA Moscow winning two of last three titles, being a runner-up towo years ago, Maccabi Tel-Aviv being six times in the finals in the last decade, having won three times, Panathinaikos Athens having won three times in last ten years etc.).

This is just my subjective opinion, but I would sort European leagues like
1. Spanish
2. Russian (moving up)
3. Italian (wider competition, but teams often work with younger players (Benetton Trevisio is perhaps the best-known by this), French, Greece (very good elite teams and than a gap), Israeli and perhaps Turkish, Lithuanian, Slovenian, Croatian and Serbian, maybe German behind them…

by KingsFanfromCentralEurope on Jan 29, 2009 4:12 AM PST reply actions

Thx for passing that along KFfCE!

(It only enhances the Rubio argument though, that he can make a difference in a strong league.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Jan 29, 2009 5:09 AM PST up reply actions