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Editor’s Note: Timberwolves.com was granted exclusive access to Ricky Rubio’s workout sessions this summer as he recovers from surgery on his left knee. Part II of this series features extended coverage of Rubio’s workouts in June.
For Wolves guard Ricky Rubio, this summer has been a learning experience. Never before has he gone through the rigorous rehabilitation that goes along with recovering from knee surgery, but that’s exactly what he’s done since tearing his ACL and LCL in his left knee March 9 against the Lakers.
Through the process Rubio has continued to show the dedication that has defined his professional basketball career. The Wolves’ standout, who averaged 8.2 assists and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors last season, continues to maintain a positive attitude and a determination to return to the court.
“It is what it is; I can’t go back and change the play that hurt me,” Rubio said. “I can only look forward an continue to work hard and be back on the court. Like I said, the past is the past and you can’t change it. That’s the way I think. That’s the way I stay positive.”
Timberwolves.com spent time with Rubio during his rehab workouts with physical therapist Andre Deloya in June before Rubio returned to Spain and continued his comeback there in July and August. During an interview with Deloya this summer, he said Rubio is hitting all the target goals set during an ACL rehabilitation—a testament to his motivation and work ethic.
“He’s doing things exactly right,” Deloya said. “And he’s also a supremely well-conditioned athlete. He has the benefit of improved circulation, he has great neuromuscular programming. He’s wired to perform; he’s wired to understand how his body works.”
Rubio returned to Minneapolis last week and made a scheduled trip to Vail, Colo., to have a schedule check up on his left knee.
He said a big part of the process is figuring out how to thank all the trainers and fans who have helped support him in this long road back to the court.
For Deloya, the process was easy. He said Rubio is not only determined but he is a quick learner with all his drills and workout routines.
“There’s no learning delay on him,” Deloya said. “He does things just right. He’s ahead of schedule on all those things.”