Serge Ibaka’s addition to Spain's national team roster further made the defending champions the solid favorites to repeat in the coming EuroBasket set to start on August 31 in Lithuania. Ibaka will join co-NBA players Paul and Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro and Ricky Rubio to form one of the strongest Spanish national teams ever assembled. Ibaka, one of the most promising young athletic big men in the pro league, is a native of Congo and his petition for nationality was recently approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers. The 6-10, 21 year-old power forward was drafted 24th over-all by the Seattle Supersonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder) in the 2008 rookie draft. He has career averages of 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks a game in 155 total outings so far with the Thunder. News of Ibaka’s confirmation of Spanish nationality appeared in an article on Slam On Line.
“Serge Ibaka has been granted Spanish nationality, and will hoop for its national team at the European Championship next month. The AP reports: “Ibaka must swear loyalty to the Spanish crown and constitution to finalize the process after Spain’s Council of Ministers approved his petition for nationality on Friday. The 21-year-old was born in the Republic of Congo but played for Spanish clubs for three years before moving to the NBA in 2009. According to Spanish media reports, he maintains a residence in Barcelona. Ibaka can join Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol and brother Marc of the Memphis Grizzlies in a formidable front court for Spain.”
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