World Cup gold medal winner and MVP, Ricky Rubio, joins the Phoenix Suns this season, but this fresh start will not be what motivates him to succeed. It will be the same thing that has driven him that last three years: the memory of his mother.
Ricky Rubio inked a $51 million deal with the Phoenix Suns this summer, but before he suits up for his new team, he dawned the old familiar jersey of the Spanish National Team and led them to a World Cup gold medal and an MVP trophy in the process.
Afterward, as he sat alone at the media table in China, he immediately gave credit to one person he could not have done it without: his deceased mother.
Tona Vives succumbed to lung cancer in May, 2016 at the early age of 56. The tragic loss turned Rubio’s world upside down.
Many NBA players share a special bond with their mothers. Kevin Durant famously calling his mom the real MVP during his NBA MVP acceptance speech.
Rubio is no different, except in his case, he can no longer hug his mom after an emotional press conferences.
Following Spain’s win over Argentina in the World Cup final, Rubio said:
"“I lost my mom three years ago and I know she was behind me, pushing me every day to get the best out of me. There’s nobody in this world who loved me more than her and she’s still driving me every day. She’s not here, but I feel it. It’s something that I’m really proud to have the mom that I have. I’ll keep going through her.”"
His statement is the world’s most recent reminder that every day, every game, every play is for his mother. When asked by the Salt Lake Tribune if he thinks about her during his pregame ritual, Rubio said, “I keep it personal, but (yes) I do.”
Motivation isn’t the only newfound trait Ricky inherited after his mother’s battle with cancer. His charitable contributions also skyrocketed.
He told the Atlantic:
"“It’s something that she told me before she passed away. She made me promise that I was going to help a lot of people because I had the tools. We’re in a good spot in the NBA and we can bring awareness to a lot of people and can bring joy to a lot of families just by saying hi to a kid or telling them that they’re coming to a game, and it’s on me. Whatever it takes for that family to feel good in a tough moment.”"
Rubio backed that up during his time in Minnesota and Utah, volunteering his time at numerous children’s hospitals, raising money to help cancer foundations, and even writing a $20,000 check to the cause himself.
Don’t expect this effort to wane with this move to Phoenix. After his trade to Utah, Rubio told reporters:
"“If I move to another city, I want to keep doing it with the guys who have connections in Utah and Minnesota, too. At the end, when you’re retired, you’re all over the world. Never stop helping.”"
Never stop helping. Good advice.
Rubio took to heart another strong viewpoint after his mother’s passing: make the most out of life, because you never know when it will end.
The summer after his mother’s death, he began plucking items off his bucket list, most notably jumping out of an airplane. He brought along a handful of friends, telling them:
"“This is your chance. You might not have another. Tomorrow may not exist.”"
This mentality took root in his physical appearance as well, shedding the cherubic look the world knew from watching him since he was a teenager and replacing it with a grizzly beard and man bun. Tattoos also began to multiply as well until it led to a full-blown sleeve.
This new look, however, is one change his mother might not fully approve. He was quoted of saying:
"“My mom would have hated it. She didn’t like me having a beard. She always asked me to shave.”"
Mama knows best.
Man bun or not, Ricky Rubio brings class, experience, and a tremendous attitude to the Phoenix Suns this season.
Devin Booker may lead the team in points. Kelly Oubre Jr. may lead the team in style. Aron Baynes may lead the team in charges taken. But if the Suns make a big leap in the win column, Ricky Rubio will be the real MVP.