My Ricky Rubio Story

 

Good evening! Pull up a chair and prepare yourself for one of the greatest moments of my young life! This story is about my trip to see my very favourite basketball player and the twists and turns to get the drawing my dad made for me signed by him.

This past week my family drove over 600 km to Minneapolis to the Timberwolves Clippers game at the Target centre. You see, my sister is a huge fan of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan fan and if you ever see her, be sure to ask for her story! And I love Minnesota's point guard, Ricky Rubio!

My dad, the artist of Mike Ayotte Artwork drew my sister and I some fantastic pictures in hopes to get them signed at the game.

From left to right: Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Ricky Rubio

The evening did not start well, our dinner went late and we got stuck in rush hour traffic and we missed the chance to get our favourite players to sign our drawing before the game. Our chances of getting the autographs became much lower now. On the brink of tears we became desperate and tried absolutely everything!

We begin with the security guard watching our section. I'm not sure of his name so we'll just call him "The Security Guard." I showed him the work and he really wanted to give some answers, so he told me to try to get on the big screen, Ricky might see it, or else try the tunnel after the game. Thanks man! You were my first glimpse of hope!

Starting the warm up

Then out my sister and my feisty determination, we took the posters and got as close to VIP section next to the court as possible while they were warming up. Not allowed I'm pretty sure, as I watched my sister get kicked out of where she was standing. I however had some better luck! Security guard Mike asked me if I wanted to go to the front row! I was on the court just waiting for Ricky to look in the right direction!

Just meters away from Ricky!

Then, Ricky's teammate, unfortunately I didn't catch who it was, gave him a friendly nudge to look my way and then I got a smile and head nod from Ricky Rubio!! And my heart swiftly flew out of my chest!

Security guard Mike then told us Ricky probably won't be able to come off the court at that time and told us to go to the tunnel again after the game. Thank you so much security guard Mike!

Rubio and Griffin during the game

 So the game went by and my sister and I went our separate ways to find our boys! But the wolves went right on by so I followed into the tunnel. After some frantic thinking and searching, I saw the man who MC's the game standing in the tunnel. So I asked him and with the help of a young security guard they directed me to the garage where the players leave the stadium. He also warned me that Ricky can be shy and doesn't normally stop in his car. Thank you MC! Nobody's quitting now!
 
Out I went with my dad with about 5 other fans waiting outside the garage. Then, someone who must be a diehard fan of the wolves informed me the type car Ricky drives so I could be prepared! Thank you fan!

So we waited in the winter weather watching and smiling at other players driving by. Then the moment of truth! Ricky Rubio driving out and me almost running completely in front of his car, but he rolled his window down his window, drove right up to me and let me shove my picture in the car and signed it for me! I let out "Thank you very much!" and a "Gracias!" forgot my "Te quiero mucho" but I was far too excited to remember! Thank you so, so much Ricky!!

So this story has many, many people involved who were absolutely wonderful! And unfortunately none of them will probably know how crucial they were and how appreciative and thankful I am for their help and support. So thank you Dad for drawing me this wonderful picture and taking me to the game! thank you "The Security Guard" Thank you security guard Mike. Thank you teammate! Thank you MC and young security guard! Thank you fellow fans and man who told me what car to look for! And Thank you so very, very much Ricky Rubio for stopping for me and making the long trip completely amazing!!

There it is! A Mike Ayotte piece signed by Ricky Rubio!

You can check out Mike Ayotte Artwork on his website: mikeayotteartwork.weebly.com
And on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Ayotte-Artwork/422214244541330