NBA Playoffs: Serge Ibaka could be one of the Spain national team's big men of the future

Serge Ibaka wasn’t born in Spain, but after playing professionally there for three years before joining the NBA ranks, he became a naturalized citizen in July 2011.

A month later, he suited up for the Spanish national team in the European Championship.

That was the first time Ibaka played alongside Pau and Marc Gasol. The Spanish-born brothers have been longtime members of the national team and the longtime starting frontcourt. In a backup role, Ibaka played 17.2 minutes a game in the 40-minute FIBA contest but averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

Spain won the tournament and qualified for the Olympics.