Oklahoma City Thunder’s centre Serge Ibaka gets Spanish nationality: NBA Update
The 21 year old Oklahoma City Thunder centre Serge Ibaka has been granted Spain's nationality. During a press conference, government spokesman Jose Blanco told that the decision has been made after the approval of a cabinet meeting.
"I know this news will please many fans of this sport, which has given our nation so much success."
The moves comes as the Spanish national team looks to defend its European League title this summer and secure an automatic qualification to the London Olympics 2012. According to Blanco Serge has been “an example of patriotism”
and that earned him this citizenship.
The two teams that made into the finals of the Euro-League Championship final will automatically qualify for the London Olympics. Lithuania will be the host of the tournament which will commence from August 31, 2011. The teams
finishing with third to sixth position in the tournament will then have to compete in the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in order to register an entry.
After Spain's Council of Ministers approved his petition for nationality Ibaka said, "Spain is a country that has given me a lot. It will be an honour to give Spain back all that it has given me on the court."
Ibaka, who is also known as “Air Congo” among his colleagues, had played three years with different Spanish clubs from 2007 till 2009, before joining the National Basketball Association (NBA). He had a decent first year with the
Thunder and was of the main reason behind OKC's deep surge into the post season.
However, Ibaka, who is a Congolese national, still has to pledge allegiance to the Spanish crown and constitution in order to fulfil the nationalization procedure. Only after the completion of this process, will Serge be allowed
to join the Spanish team, which also features Los Angeles Lakers Pau Gasol, his brother Marc Gasol, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Fernandez among others.
Serge, who scored at an average of 9.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, expressed his excitement on sharing the same court with a player like Pau Gasol.
Ibaka said, "Pau is possibly the most talented centre with the best fundamentals in the (NBA). It will be a dream to play with him."
The inclusion of Ibaka in the side has made the Spanish team extremely strong and they will certainly enter the tournament as one of the favourites.
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