On Wednesday FIBA Europe announced that Ricky Rubio of Spain has been chosen their Young Men's Player of the Year for the third consecutive season.

Ricky Rubio has been a stand-out for several year's now

Rubio, a 1.90 meter guard, played his second major competition with Spain's senior national team in 2009, helping them to capture their first EuroBasket gold medal in Poland in September.

Rubio averaged 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and a team-leading 3.9 assists per contest in the tournament.

In June Rubio was selected with the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Draft, but elected to stay in Spain, signing a deal with FC Barcelona.

"It's difficult to come up with new ways of praising Ricky Rubio," said FIBA Europe President George Vassilakopoulos.

"He has the talent and the work ethic to be not just good, but great and I look forward to following his career."

"When I think of Ricky I can't help but remember the final game of the 2006 U16 European Championship Men," added Secretary General Nar Zanolin.

"51 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists and seven steals.  That night he introduced himself to the basketball world and he continues to live up to our lofty expectations."

Rubio beat out Serbia's Milan Macvan for the honor.  Jan Vesely of the Czech Republic finished third.

On Friday FIBA Europe will announce the winner of their Women's Player of the Year Award.

*the ranking reflects a combination of fan and expert voting.