I am crossposting this here because I thought it might interest a few of you Argentines. I thought this might interest some of you since it is the parallel flipside of our Yanks Abroad interest. In my mind these trends (Yanks in Soccer, Internationals in Basketball) are the two most interesting stories in sports. http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=211&xlc=1013570 "Back home, editors have elevated Manu, a Spurs' reserve, to Jordan-like status. Stripped across the front page of Monday's La Nueva Provincia, the paper in Bahia Blanca, was this headline: "Manu, champion of the world."
I never used to watch NBA too much, but since Manu is playing I am interested, and I was even rooting for the Spurs. I think basketball is trully becoming popular in Argentina, especially among the young. Probably that means that you will see more talent coming up. Argentina beat the US Dream team (maybe their B team but still very talented NBA players) and was second to Yogoslavia in the World championships, losing in overtime. This year there were three Argentines in the NBA, although Manu was the only one who made some impact. As a rookie, he was an important factor off the bench, making several key plays, as the Spurs won the title.
As a native Spurs fan I can say that we love having him on the team. I think we may see more glory days ahead as well.
I always liked the NBA. And I am a Knicks fan, Am glad Manu won the title and am glad Argentina had a great 2nd place finish in the World Cup of Basket Ball, a sport that grows in Argentina every day am glad Argentinos are growing in all sports. Hope Pepe Sanchez plays more next year.
Manu" Ginóbili anotó 20 puntos en la primera mitad y Argentina se vistió de gloria el sábado en San Juan al conseguir su pase para los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas con una emocionante victoria (88-72) sobre Canadá en la primera de las dos semifinales del Torneo de las Américas de baloncesto.
y luego perdio por apabullada ante los US pero lo q cuenta es q se clasifico a Atenas, Puerto Rico gano el q se puede considerar el unico juego por el 3er puesto q valia la pena pues el premio era ir a las Olimpiadas (van los primeros 3!)