MADRID (AP) — Defending champion Spain has included Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka in its team for the European championship.
Ibaka, who was born in the Republic of the Congo, is still waiting to become nationalized by Spain before the championship begins on Aug. 31 in Lithuania.
Spain coach Sergio Scariolo announced the preliminary list of 15 players on Tuesday. The roster will have to be reduced to 12 by the start of the tournament.
Ibaka could form a formidable front court alongside Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol and his brother Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers, who returns after missing last summer’s world championship.
The preliminary list also includes new Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio.
