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Spain’s Rubio: Basketball’s Man or Myth
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ET, ESPN)
ESPN.com (piece posted)
ESPN Deportes SportsCenter (Sunday, 11 p.m.)
ESPNDeportes.com (Reportajes Especiales piece posted)
Barcelona’s Ricky Rubio was a professional European basketball player at age 14, a YouTube highlight sensation shortly thereafter, and the No. 5 pick by Minnesota in the 2009 NBA Draft at age 18. Now at age 20, he has not played an NBA game, raising questions as to whether he is a future NBA star or an overhyped novelty act. Tom Farrey reports.
“No, but you can never give a definitive ‘Yes’ until the right moment. Playing the NBA is a dream. Minnesota has my rights, and at the moment I’m very confident in them.” – Ricky Rubio, on whether he’s trying to force a trade from Minnesota or considering staying in Europe
“(He is) Overrated. Yes, he has quick hands. Yes, he can anticipate and get clean picks from certain players. But can he keep the ball in front of him going against starting NBA point guards? There’s no comparison between players playing overseas ability to break down a defender one-on-one like there is in the NBA.” — Eric Musselman, former Warriors and Kings coach who’s coached overseas, on Rubio’s defense
“Honestly, I think he’s going to be a great player. I’ve seen him play now. I’ve played against him in the Olympics. He has a lot, a lot, a lot of talent.” – Kobe Bryant
“I like to sense things, to anticipate a move, read players minds, so you can win the ball, be in the spot. Know where the ball goes. Sometimes it goes right, sometimes it goes wrong.” – Ricky Rubio, on his “taking chances” style
Asian Carp: Invasive Species Threatens Sport Fishing
Outside the Lines (Sunday, 9 a.m. ESPN)
This summer, the sixth annual “Redneck Fishing Tournament” was held to help rid the Illinois River of an invasive species known as Asian carp. Occupying rivers and lakes in more than 20 states, the fish are a marvel to watch – they can leap more than 10 feet in the air – but a danger to unsuspecting fishermen and boaters. As their population grows and nears the Great Lakes, Asian carp present a serious threat to the future of fresh-water fishing in America.
Danica Patrick: In Her Own Words
Nationwide Countdown (Saturday, 4 p.m., ESPN2)
The Sporting Life with Jeremy Schaap (Friday, 10 p.m., ESPN Radio)
As Danica Patrick nears the end of her first NASCAR season, she summarizes the ebb and flow of her rookie campaign, her mistakes and disappointments and the importance of keeping perspective.
“I’m still my worst critic. I’m still the hardest on myself above anyone else, but I think I have a little bit better perspective as the year goes on. I still have a heck of a lot to learn and I am still very much a rookie.” – Danica Patrick
Mack Brown Responds to Critics
College Gameday (Saturday, 9 a.m. ESPNU; 10 a.m. ESPN)
Only 10 months after his team played for the BCS championship, Mack Brown is experiencing his toughest season with the Texas Longhorns. The embattled head coach tells Tom Rinaldi how losing affects him, and responds to his harshest critics.
Rex Ryan no Buddy to Rob Sunday
NFL Countdown (Sunday, 11 a.m., ESPN)
ESPN.com (companion piece posted)
Jets head coach Rex Ryan faces his brother Rob, Browns defensive coordinator, on Sunday. Rachel Nichols reports on their rivalry and growing up with famous coaching dad, Buddy Ryan.
Pieces Currently Posted
Drama follows retired baseball all-star
Roberto Alomar’s post-baseball life replete with allegations, lawsuits and settlements
Little Boy Plays with Big Heart
Josiah Viera has a rare genetic disorder but lives his dream of playing baseball and meeting his hero, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard. Tom Rinaldi reports for E:60.
The Children of Bhopal Still Play
This E:60 companion piece shows how children in Bhopal play cricket to try to escape the squalor around them, but that the fields where they play have a deadly past.
Ryan Mathews went from the street to the NFL — thanks to his mom and a stranger.
