Rubio the real deal
Hi everybody!
This is Pete Mickeal from Vitoria, Spain. Little tibdits about myself for those who don’t know me: I play for Tau Ceramica, the current Spanish champion. I was the Finals MVP last year and I’m considered one of the top American players around here. I played with the Knicks and the Rockets back in the day, but the last few years I’ve been doing my thing in Europe. It’s not going bad! From now I will be blogging at HoopsHype.com about my experiences overseas. And hey, I’ll talk NBA stuff too!
The playoffs in the States have been amazing so far, but we’re playing for the title here in Spain too.
Last year was good for us, as we ended up winning the championship, but this time is different. This season we only lost four games (11 last year) and we set an ACB record for fewest losses. Now it’s expected for us to win, so we gotta deliver.
We are now in the semifinals and we’ll play against Real Madrid. We look at Real just like we look at any other team. We worry about ourselves and we need to do to win the game. Of course we respect Real Madrid, the most successful team in European history. They have very good players, including a small guy called Sergi Llull. I like the way he attacks the basket.
Real advanced after beating Joventut, a club led by other small guy. This one you may have heard of: Ricky Rubio. That guy is amazing.
First time I saw him it was like three or four years ago. I was playing for a team called Breogan in Northern Spain back then, my first year in the ACB. I saw a teenager on the court and I was like, “Who’s that kid?” They told me he was 15 or 16. Never saw something like that in the pros.
I saw his knack for defense, his ability to play the game of basketball at such a young age. That is something rare to see: the knowledge and the awareness of basketball at such young age. And that was when he was 15 years old. Then I’ve seen him turn into a star in the Spanish League, which is no small potatoes. Now everybody in the States knows him. Can’t say I’m surprised.
Last year they won the Spanish Cup in our gym. There were 10,000 at the arena, most of them yelling at him, and he made the last two free throws. He made the first one and I tried to distract him going to the other side of the paint, but it didn’t work. At all. He was very focused and Joventut won, with a 17-year-old kid making the last two free throws. Now that’s eye-opening.
It seems that he would have to pay a lot of money of his own pocket in order to leave Joventut right now. Everyone’s situation is different, but I think any time you get a chance to be one of the top three picks in the Draft, you should go. Just my take.
I was thinking about entering the draft in my junior year. Projections were that I could be a late first-round pick, but I ended being a second-round pick. You can think, “Well, maybe I shouldn’t have gone out early.” But that’s a little bit of Monday morning quarterbacking. When you have that chance, and people are talking about you so well, it’s great to go out because you might not even have that opportunity again. You never know what can happen next year.
I’ve already heard that he may not want to play in certain places. Oklahoma City, Memphis… Teams like that. Having the fifth pick, I think the Wizards should try to do a trade to get him so he can learn from a great point guard like Gilbert Arenas, and play with some other great players. They are starting to have a lot of pressure to perform well and that would be a good fit for him.
The European transition
It’s my second season here in Vitoria. It’s the first time I have back-to-back seasons with the same team since my college days at Cincinnati, but although I’ve travelled a lot, it hasn’t been so hard because that was my plan from Day 1: improving every year whatever it takes. I’ve lived in Asia for two years, in Greece, now here in Spain… I’ve been through a lot of things, but I wanted everything to go up. I started in small teams and I worked myself up to the top teams. It worked out pretty well for me.
Now you see guys like Brandon Jennings and Josh Childress going to Europe. Now you have more people in the States who’s understanding European basketball. It’s not what it used to be, like, “OK, he’s playing in Europe, he must not be good enough to play in the NBA.” Now you have NBA players in Europe. You consistently have NBA scouts here, and I’m happy because I’m playing in the best league in Europe.
In the last Spanish Cup I hit the winning shot in the Final against Unicaja. That was a turning point in my career. That was one shot I practiced since I was 12 years old. Some things just happen. You saw what LeBron James did the other night? I just have that confidence in myself. The team had faith in me, got me the ball… So I delivered. (Then I blocked Unicaja’s last shot on the other end. Not bad, huh?)
Going back to the NBA
I live in Miami during the offseason and I get the chance to say hi to a lot of people there – guys like Kenyon Martin, but I have my own group of guys who I’ve been with since I was a kid.
I’d say the Cavs will get it done. I pick the Lakers in the West but I think the Cavs will win in six. LA has a big frontcourt, but the Cavs look so motivated. They have such a great chemistry. They love playing for each other, and actually cheer for each other to do well… That’s really difficult to see that on any team.
Like I said, I’ve played for the Knicks and Rockets, and if I had an offer this summer, money wouldn’t be an issue, because I’ve learned a lot about money since I grew up with nothing. I’ve learned life lessons about money when I was a kid, learning from experience, not having anything. You learn quick that way.
The key for me would be being able to be close to my family. Spending 10 months in Europe every year it’s kind of hard.
I want something great for my life, so I will continue to work for that. And my family understands, so that’s the best part about it. They support me and always keeps me going.
Well, that’s all for now.
Bye!
Kris F. Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
What’s up Pete, it’s good to hear that your playing well in the euroleague. It’s true what your saying, there’s a lot of good players over there and now NBA scouts are really starting to take notice. Anyway take care man, probably run into you in South Beach again over the summer haha. Later.—Kris.
Mike Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
Nice blog, Pete. It’s refreshing to see a pro athlete complete a blog on here without whining! I was rooting for you to make it back in the day with the Knicks. Glad to see you’re doing well.
Gabriel Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
Nice article pete! I’m a Barcelona fan and so i hope you’re wrong in your predictions about who’s expected to win the ACB but i liked your writing. Go on man!
Gerard Himself Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Hi Pete,
I liked your first post, and what you said about Rubio, is exactly what I was thinking. He would be a nice addition to the Wizards, but I think it would be difficult for Washington to get him. Besides trading their draft pick, they also have to trade one of their veterans to Memphis, I suppose. Wasn’t there some talk about McGee being in trade talks, along with their pick but it turned out it wouldn’t happen?
But still, Rubio playing with those guys, could be exciting.
petercom Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
“I think the Cavs will win in six” LOL welcome to hoopshype rook’!!!!
no hard feelings
Drew Fernandes (PH) Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
great first post! can’t wait for the next one. gluck on the way to the finals!
phil_manila Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 9:35 pm
pete, men! you played here in the philippines, i think 2002, you were beasting with jerald honeycutt! goodluck and keep balling! go bearcat!
Alex Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 9:36 pm
Thank you for the story.
Would like to know more about other potencial candidates from Europe to NBA, not just Rubio. It’s should be a lot of them there.
Jams Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 10:12 pm
you’re Cavs prediction is looking a bit shaky….
basketball jones Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
Pete I played in LEB last season so I got a chance to see a bunch of your games. You guys are the real deal this season. A lot of people say Tau would be a play-off team in the Eastern Conference of the NBA this season. Good luck in the Semi’s but I have to admit I’m rooting for Real Madrid and my boy Sweet Lou. But I’m from Chicago and I heard you were from Illinois, so I want you to do your thing too. Let the best team win. Congrats on the new blog. Look forward to reading it!
Rubio is ‘amazing’ Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
[...] a new blog for HoopsHype, Mickeal gives some insight on LaPistola and it’s a perspective worth [...]
xERICx Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 3:31 am
Hey Pete,
I’m a Joventud supporter and I used to hate you, but in the good mood, because you always played very good against joventud, but last year’s cup was not enough
Anyway, I hope you win the playoffs this season, as we are off, I prefer Tau than the other teams still alive.
About Ricky Rubio, I think he should go now to NBA… he is still developing and he can make a big step forward in the NBA. Maybe he doesn’t need a big team, but he needs to play at least 20 minutes per game, and get a personal shot trainer. If he improves jump shots he will be a perfect player because everything he does on the court is just perfect. Other point guards on the NBA will hate him after they suffer his first defense… haha.
My wishes: Ricky @ Orlando but i think it’s almos impossible… I heard some rumours about Knicks wanting Ricky and LeBron maybe for next season… that would be a perfect combination to get the Knicks back on top and probably win a championship.
Regards!
chingmakulit Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 3:50 am
to phil_manila:yup you are correct. i remember him playing for talk and text in the PBA. monster of a player
Arturs Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Nice blog. Talking about NBA, I think Pete should really explore idead of playing there next season. I’m sure his agent can get offers from some teams. I really hope that Pete will play in NBA next season.
Baskonista Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 6:46 am
Hi Pete!
Well I’m one of those 10.000 people of the arena. I love your game and I enjoy it a lot. I think that when you are on court I’m specting that something will appear, normally something good. You’re very important for this team and you’re part of the “caracter baskonia” as you know.
Well play hard against Real Madrid and enjoy on court. Thanks for your new blog. I’ll see it.
Chris Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Man, what a trip to see your name, Pete. I had UC season tickets for that unfortunate year when K-Mart broke his leg. But it’s great to see you’re doing well still. Stay up.
Thursday Bolts - 5.28.09 | Daily Thunder.com - Where Thunder Happens Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 10:04 am
[...] Pete Mickeal for HoopsHype on Ricky Rubio: “Real advanced after beating Joventut, a club led by other small guy. This one you may have heard of: Ricky Rubio. That guy is amazing. First time I saw him it was like three or four years ago. I was playing for a team called Breogan in Northern Spain back then, my first year in the ACB. I saw a teenager on the court and I was like, “Who’s that kid?” They told me he was 15 or 16. Never saw something like that in the pros. I saw his knack for defense, his ability to play the game of basketball at such a young age. That is something rare to see: the knowledge and the awareness of basketball at such young age. And that was when he was 15 years old. Then I’ve seen him turn into a star in the Spanish League, which is no small potatoes. Now everybody in the States knows him. Can’t say I’m surprised.” [...]
Andrew O Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 10:30 am
Hey Pete, good luck with your playing in Europe. As a kid in the QC area, I remembered reading headlines of you playing with the Rocks and journeying through JC and College toward the pros. Good to hear of your most recent journeys!
elder ray Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 10:41 am
Pete what kind of offensive shot/game does Rubio have? Does he really show flashes of Pete Maravich or is that from just ball handling side? Is he a good defensive player? So how would he help the Wiz and Gil be better?
Actualización: los españoles del draft « El blog del Pistolero Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 10:49 am
[...] compatriotas norteamericanos de que no pueden dejen pasar a este talento, desde su nuevo blog en Hoopshype (claro que también daba a los Cavs como ganadores de la final de conferencia por 4-2…). Lo [...]
NBA/Europe/Miami Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 11:10 am
I would like to speak with you regarding NBA opportunities and other Euro situations. I will explain if and when you contact me. I know of you thru Rob Hite and another source. Please contact me at my email address and I will explain more. Thanks
Thomas DeJuan Wells Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Glad to see a Fellow Rock Island native doing well, and following his dream. As a B-Ball fan, I’ve followed your career for years, and it seems you’ve always excelled and stayed positive. Keep up the good work. That’s the Rock Island way!
David Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
Hi Pete,
2 questions: what do you think of Terrell McIntyre?
How do you like playing for Dusko Ivanovic?
Paul Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
Hey. Great insight, thanks. I think when alot of us saw Rubio in the Olympics, we saw that he had those other basketball instincts that just come out on every little play, regardless of it being a simple rotation pass, or one that leads to a hoop.
Two questions: First, have you seen enough of stephon curry to compare him to rubio. As a Knick fan who thinks that is the way they will go, and having read reports that he really has good point guard and general basketball instincts, I’m wondering if Curry doesn’t end up as good as Rubio 5 years down the line.
Second, In watching Danillo Gallinari last year, I saw signs of a player who really understands the game, and has those instincts to just anticipate plays. Did you see him play in the past and what do you think of him? I told a friend that he is the Italian Larry Bird(and got laughed at), but he looked like a pretty complete player, especially for a guy adjusting to the NBA, and having a very bad back.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Andre Williams Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Yo what up Pete. It’s your ex-teammate/roommate from Indian Hills CC. I see you doing your thing over there. I usually check out this site everyday and dimemag.com. Keep ballin. Holla at me sometime. drewilliams08@gmail.com
Jason O. Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Pete,
Thanks for your post, will follow you from now on from HoopsHype. So you play for Tau, correct? Is Tiago Spitter still on Tau? I don’t know, becasue we used to get a lot of Euroleague games on NBATV, but now I don’t. I think it is, beacuse TNT bought NBATV last year and changed the programming, no fun.
Well, if Tiago is still on your team, what is your take on his game, it looks like for sure he has an NBA body? Also I am a former veteran and lived in Spain from 03-05, and loved it. What do you like and dislike about living in Spain?
Thanks Jason
DP3 Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 6:10 pm
This is some great stuff! I’m really looking forward to following your blog, Pete!
Candy Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Pete,
I have known you personally for years, and have seen your ups and downs. I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you in all that you do. You deserve the best things in life because you have overcame all of your obstacles. You have taught me how to deal with life’s struggles, and I am sure everyone around you too that it doesnt amaze me to read your blog of accomplishments. See you soon..
Candy
Big Smoke Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 7:58 am
Pete, never go from Baskonia
We love you and you are the best.
The Lake Show Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Great post Pete. I look forward to your insights on basketball.
Cordell Taylor Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Pete played with some beastly teams at Univ of Cincinnati when Huggins did major recruiting for the best talent. Good to see him doig well and playing professionally abroad. I was a lil surprised to hear how much love he gave Rubio, I still have to judge his game when he makes a transition to the NBA. I remember how scouts would say Luis Scola was the biggest and baddest dude overseas, I see him play in the NBA now and I think he is just decent starter that can help a team. I want to see how well Rubio handles the quick feet of these young point guards in the NBA, how he responds to the pace of a NBA game.
SPIROS FROM GREECE Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
rubio is very good player with greata ability in defence. i think that there are not young american guys play such a good defence like him. he is the spanish answer to our guy , dimitris diamantidis.
pete you were one of the best american guys ever played in greece!
SPIROS FROM GREECE Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
rubio needs to become more muscular and improve his shot so as to play in nba ! sooner or later he will be there , so help him and don’t abandon him in a bench for a couple of years. this is a huge mistake that nba teams are used to with european players!
gogetit Said,
May 29, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
hi man,
so are you ever going to be able to play again in europe?
this is seems though you have a fake passport and that is a criminal offense that can be punished by jail time in all countries!!
its fraud! hope every team in europe knows this!!
it will be interesting to see what happeds..
Can you write about this in your next blog..hahaha
Cindy Said,
May 30, 2009 @ 12:18 am
Hey Pete,
It’s your old friend from Los Angeles….I haven’t spoke to you in a long time … It is good to know that you are doing well. I hope that you remember me.. Reach out to me when you get a chance so that we can catch up.
Take care!!!
I might be in Miami this summer!
Cindy
Cindy@dfenterprizes.com
Park Hanuk Said,
May 30, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Hi Pete, you were great when you briefly played for the Dongyang Orions of the KBL(Korean Basketball League) and many fans in Korea view you as one of the best American players who ever played in the KBL along with Dontay Jones(a former Celtic), too bad your stint in Korea didn’t last long because you were too big of a fish to have a long career here. Anyway, I’m glad that you’re still doing well in Spain, and look forward to sharing your views on International prospects whom we don’t really have a chance to evaluate.
Goldy Said,
June 1, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
I see you cuz! Get yo shine on!
Erica Said,
June 16, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Pete,
It’s great to see you doing so well. You’ve been amazing on the court since our days at Frances Willard. Keep up the good work!
Erica