Ibaka eligible for Spain

ByReuters

Updated 15/07/2011 at 15:17 GMT

Oklahoma Thunder forward-centre Serge Ibaka has been awarded Spanish citizenship so he can compete at the European Championship later this year, a government spokesman said on Friday.

BASKETBALL 2011 Oklahoma City Serge Ibaka

Image credit: AFP

The Republic of Congo-born 21-year-old, who played in Spain for three seasons before joining the NBA, was "an example of patriotism", government spokesman Jose Blanco told a news conference after the decision was approved at a cabinet meeting.

"I know this news will please many fans of this sport, which has given our nation so much success," Blanco added.

Spain were continental champions in 2009, crushing Serbia in the final, and runners-up to Russia two years earlier.

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