MADRID (FIBA World Championship) - Ricky Rubio has backed hosts Turkey to shine at the FIBA World Championship, but has no qualms about saying Spain will win it all. The Barcelona star is with the squad in Madrid as they go through their final preparations, and believes the defending world and European champions have the talent to claim gold again.

But he also expects Turkey to make some noise on their own court.

"I believe Turkey can have a really good tournament," he told Marca.

"They are playing at home and are preparing very well, so I think they go far."

Asked who would win the tournament, Rubio did not blink.

"Spain," he said.

"I think if the 12 players in the squad did not go there to win, we would not go.

We do not give up our holiday to not try to win the World Championship."

The challenge for Spain will be to handle the absence of star center Pau Gasol, and Rubio admits that will not be easy to overcome.

"We are without Pau and anybody who says that does not affect us is lying, because Pau is the leader of the team," he said.

"He has shown that in Europe last year.

When we had problems he always came to the rescue.

"He is a very talented player but he is not here and there are many other teams who have big players missing.

Having a good squad can minimize the affects of not having Pau."

Rubio does not expect any one player to step up into the role, but rather for the entire team to cover.

"I believe our team has many players who can do it because on their teams they are already leaders on and off the court," he said.

"Off the court we have a very close-knit team.

"The loss of Pau will show because he is so outstanding, but those who come in will do the work.

"Juan Carlos (Navarro) will need to show a bit more because of who he is, what he has achieved and the talent he has."

FIBA