B-Ball wizard

The 21-year-old is averaging 11.2 points per game to go along with 9.1 assists.
The 21-year-old is averaging 11.2 points per game to go along with 9.1 assists.

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Sportsnet Staff

Sportsnet Staff | February 8, 2012, 3:01 pm

Ricky Rubio has been drawing comparisons to NBA greats Steve Nash and "Pistol" Pete Maravich since before he joined the league.

It seems like the youngster is living up to the hype.

The Spanish rookie, drafted fifth-overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, has swiftly developed chemistry with his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates since first hitting the hardwood back in December.

The 21-year-old is averaging 11.2 points per game to go along with 9.1 assists, which puts him third in the NBA in assist per game behind the Suns' Nash and Celtics' Rajon Rondo.

His no-look passes and fast-break wizardry are making the 6'4 point guard a Youtube sensation, and a constant threat to NBA defenders.

Here is a look at some of his handywork, just 25 games into his young career:

Dissin' Dirk

Clearly Rubio isn't worried about stepping on any toes. Here he goes between the legs of defending NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki to set up Anthony Tolliver for a clutch three-ball.

Tangling the Nets

Here Rubio steals the ball, shakes the Nets' Jordan Farmar with some around-the-back handles and fires a pass to Wes Johnson who takes it to the cup.

Fast break five-hole

In transition, Rubio finds teammate Nikola Pekovic with a full-speed bounce pass between his own legs.

Over the top alley-oop

Rubio can't get around the Heat's defence, so he decides to go over the top with this alley-oop lob to Anthony Randolph.

 
 
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