Aug 5 (Reuters) - Ricky Rubio of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers said on Saturday he will take a break from basketball so he can focus on his mental health, a move that comes shortly before his Spanish national teammates defend their FIBA World Cup title. "I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health," Rubio said in a statement released by the Spanish Basketball Federation, or FEB."I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB to understand my decision. Rubio returned to action in January and averaged 5.2 points, 3.5 assists per game with the Cavaliers. "We were informed today by Ricky and his representation that he has decided to step away from his illustrious basketball career to focus on his mental health at this time," the Cavaliers said in a statement. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Persons: Ricky Rubio, Rubio, " Rubio, Ricky, Frank Pingue, Hugh Lawson Organizations: NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, Spanish, FIBA, Spanish Basketball Federation, Cavaliers, Thomson Locations: Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Toronto