Rudy Fernandez managed to capture the attention of the big boys in the NBA and is headed to the Portland Trailblazers starting Sunday. Fernandez averaged 13.1 points per game in Beijing and dropped some 22-point knowledge on the US team during their game, including two-points Dwight Howard will want to avenge as soon as Fernandez hits the hardwood in the NBA. And Fernandez knows it.

“My aim is to play minutes.”

Fernandez, whose mother will accompany him on his trip to America and live with him for the first two years, also knows there is one very important person who will not forget his spectacular dunk.

That person is Orlando Magic star Howard.

“I am convinced that one day, Howard will do the same to me,” Fernandez said, smiling.

Cue, dunkage:

Someone’s got a photo-op coming up.

ESP/USA - Rudy ready to blaze new trail in America [FIBA]
Image [FIBA]