Another high-profile Spanish player has put his name in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Victor Claver, a 6-10 (2.06m) high-flying forward, has joined Ricky Rubio in this year’s NBA Draft.

Claver let his club Pamesa Valencia know his intentions to enter the draft.  He had placed his name in the last year’s NBA Draft and after working out for several NBA teams, he decided to pull out of the draft.

He then returned to the Spanish league with hopes of further development before he suffered a serious knee injury during a Eurocup match against Fortitudo Bologna in December 2008. The injury set Claver back several months.

Claver is expected to return for the 2009 ACB playoffs.

With his knee injury, it’s difficult to say where Claver will go in the draft, but NBA teams are certainly aware of Claver’s size, vertical jumping ability, long arms, and above-average shooting ability.

Not to mention the recent success that Spaniards have had in the NBA; players such as Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, Rudy Fernandez, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jorge Garbajosa, and Jose Calderon.  The only Spanish player to not succeed in the league was Raul Lopez, but Lopez’s short NBA career can be attributed to an knee injury.

Nevertheless, the 20-year old Claver is a intriguing pick, and he is expected to make Spain’s National Team this summer in time for Eurobasket 2009.

Links and Resources: Spain’s Claver declares for NBA Draft (FIBA), Victor Claver highlight video (YouTube), Ricky Rubio declares for 2009 NBA Draft (Interbasket)