ricky rubio

Ahhh, yes, Fourth of July weekend, a time for fireworks, BBQs, and…celebrating the United States’ independence from Britain, of course.  How many people do you actually think will say over the weekend, “Man, I am so happy we’re no longer under British rule, who wants to chug a beer”?

We talked about him before the draft, and now we talkin’ bout him after the draft. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Ricky Rubio Watch 2009. As everyone knows, the Timberwolves took R.R. 5th overall with the hopes of making the 18-year old Spaniard a centerpiece for the club’s Extreme Makeover: Franchise Edition.

You know you have an interesting draft when the most talked about player goes by the nickname “La Pistola.” In fact, judging from media coverage, Ricky Rubio might be the biggest Spanish import since Penelope Cruz. The 18-year old guard first jumped into the international spotlight at the Beijing Olympics (helping lead Spain to a silver medal), his buzz increased when videos of his “say what!?!?!”-level passing abilities hit YouTube, and now the kid looks like a sure-shot top five pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.