Ricky Rubio is preparing for the EuroBasket while at the same time gearing up for a life-altering move from his native country to the United States, where he will begin his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves once the lockout is resolved.

A man who has already collected an Olympic silver medal, a European gold, ACB and Euroleague honours and played in a FIBA World Championship is not phased by much, and he is trying to bring his usual calm to this latest adventure.

"I approach it with more hope than fear, and with great respect for things," he said.

"I have a huge desire to live this experience, both on the court and off it. I have never moved house before. I have never had that change. I want to have that change of culture, though I don't want to lose the connection to family that I have."

Rubio can expect the changes to be big, both on and off the court.

"I think it will be physically harder than Europe - I will need to do more weights," he said of the NBA's playing style.