http://0rz.tw/LNruo Ricky Rubio was impressed with Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis when they met for the first time last week, and the 19-year-old point guard told friends that "he can envision playing for Kurt." That's what Wolves Vice President David Kahn said on Friday after returning from a weeklong scouting trip to Europe. Rubio's arrival won't happen for at least another year, but he told the Associated Press in Barcelona, Spain, that he has warmed to the notion of playing in Minnesota: "They have the best possibility because they hold my rights, and they've shown me how much they want me," he said. "And for that, I have to be thankful toward them." Rubio, taken fifth overall in last June's draft, had dinner with Rambis, Kahn and Rubio's father, Esteve, in Barcelona late last week, and "Kurt and Ricky hit it off right away," Kahn said. The point guard also told his possible future coach that his timetable hasn't changed: He intends to exercise a $1.4 million opt-out clause from his six-year Spanish League contract when it becomes available 13 months from now and play in the NBA beginning with the 2011-12 season. "It was consistent with everything we've said all along," Kahn said. "I fully expect to see Ricky in a Wolves uniform after next season." Rubio, who opted not to join the Wolves after he fell to fifth in the draft, followed his potential teammates from afar as they posted a franchise-worst 15-67 season and said he understands why the team bottomed out in order to improve its future. "It's a young team that still needs to grow," said Rubio, who intends to enroll in English classes next fall to prepare for the NBA. "It's a team that has confidence in me, and that's very important. They may have won only 15 games, but they are in a moment of development and we have to see how they evolve next year, because it's very important to be part of a team with vision." Kahn said he and the Rubios agreed that it turned out for the best that the teenager remained in Spain. With Rubio averaging 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds, Barcelona won the European League title, and next week it will play in the Spanish League finals. He also took the opportunity to work on his outside shooting, Rubio said, and added bulk to his 6-3, 190-pound frame. "This year was very important for me on an experience level," Rubio told the AP. "I had the pressure of having to win, and that's only something you can learn playing at a club like Barcelona, to know how to handle and play in those pressure moments." Not that the Spaniard, who won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics, lacks confidence in his game. Asked to describe himself as a player, Rubio said, "A player who wants to make people happy with his play on the court ... a colorful, attractive, spectacular basketball player." And one with a positive impression of Minnesota, though he visited for only four hours last summer. "It was summer, with nice weather, a lot of lakes and it was nice," Rubio said. "I know they like their sports in Minnesota." --

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