Ricky Rubio To Stay in Spain: Signs New Contract with Regal

Yahoo Sports is reporting that Minnesota Timberwolves draft pick Ricky Rubio has decided to play in Spain for the next two season rather than play for the Timberwolves.

Ricky Rubio has signed a six-year deal with Regal FC Barcelona, a team based in his hometown of Barcelona. Regal FC bought out Rubio's previous contract with DKV Joventut. The new Ricky Rubio contract means that the 18-year-old won't play in the NBA until at least 2011.

The Ricky Rubio news is a blow to the Timberwolves organization. The team drafted Rubio fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. They also drafted point guard Jonny Flynn right after Rubio. The Wolves may have picked Flynn because they knew they might have to wait for Rubio. Of course, drafting a player like Flynn may have been one of the reasons that Rubio wanted to forego the NBA at least for a couple of years.