His defense was outstanding.

Such was the implication that reporters gathered from young NBA star and currently Team USA's go-to-guy Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder when asked about his impression of the 19-year old Spanish guard Ricky Rubio after their thrilling 86-85 win against the European powerhouse squad last Monday (Manila time).

"He's an amazing defender... one thing that stood out to me is how well he pressured the ball and disrupted our offense," Durant, who led the game with 25 points, was quoted by the Association Press and Sports Illustrated website as saying after the game. "He's flashy, he's crafty as well and the passes he did tonight were kind of amazing."

The 6-foot-5 Rubio, who was originally drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Rookie Draft, provided the much needed energy for the Spaniards during the game against the NBA-backed USA squad.

"He helped rally Spain to within 23-16 and drew gasps after providing an over-the-head, no-look backhanded alley-hoop chance that center Fran Vazquez missed in the second period," the report said.

USA coach Mike Krzyzewski was particularly impressed by how Rubio stood his ground against the NBA's premier guards during the match.

"He's gotten bigger and he plays defense, and because he's a pass-first guard — he's going to be liked by everybody who plays with him," said Krzyzewski in the report. "He's improved his shooting and he's not afraid."

Rubio is expected to still play a big role for the Spanish squad in the upcoming Wolrd Basketball Championships in Istanbul, Turkey this September, where they are about to defend the championship title they won four years ago