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timvp

07-02-2005, 12:51 AM

Manu-mania rules in Argentina

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA070205.1A.BKNspurs.ginobili.2975e768.html

Johnny Ludden
Express-News Staff Writer

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — They ran at him by the dozens, a jumbled mass of arms and legs seeking his touch. Men holding scraps of paper for his signature. Women waving the Argentine flag. Boys wearing white No. 20 Spurs jerseys.

All of them screaming or singing his name.

Mah-nu! Mah-nu! Mah-nu!

A week after helping the Spurs to their second championship in three years, Manu Ginobili returned to Argentina's passionate embrace.
Judging from the wave of humanity greeting him at a local hospital Friday afternoon, his countrymen have elevated him from conquering hero to deity.

"People here see him as ... something very high," veteran NBA center Dikembe Mutombo said. "Something very symbolic."

Ginobili returned to his native country this week to join Mutombo for the NBA's Basketball Without Borders, an instructional camp for some of South America's top young players.

Chicago's Andres Nocioni and Detroit's Carlos Delfino, who played with Ginobili on Argentina's gold medal-winning team in last summer's Olympics, also are participating in the event.

Neither is drawing the flesh-pressing attention of their teammate.

Ginobili's visit to the Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, an underfunded facility in one of the city's poorer neighborhoods, created such pandemonium Friday that NBA officials nearly had to cancel the event.

Police officers and NBA security officials strained to keep the crowd back as Ginobili ran into the building under a handmade sign greeting him: "Welcome Manu! Thank you for the championship and for being here!"

The crush of people proved even thicker inside. Children scaled the sides of staircases to try to reach Ginobili. An elderly woman started crying after touching him.

"They think he can heal them," a hospital staffer said.

"I go to Africa every year and see how the people come up to you," said Mutombo, a 7-foot hero in his native Congo. "But I had never seen anything like this. People were just going crazy."

That included the hospital's doctors, nurses and other staffers, who shoved paper and pens at Ginobili, hoping to get an autograph as police officers moved him from room to room.

One NBA official said more than 100 police officers were at the hospital to help with the crowd. Nearly all of them appeared overwhelmed. Compounding the problem, a strike had left the hospital more understaffed than usual.

Ginobili and the other players visited with several children, hugging them, reading books, signing autographs — all while security officials pressed against the hallway doors to keep the crowd at bay. Two overzealous TV reporters jostled with NBA officials when they weren't allowed to get close to Ginobili.

The crush became so great, league officials decided to cut short the visit and plan an alternate escape route for the players. Ginobili, Mutombo and Nocioni, however, refused to leave until they visited a ward for children with HIV. After the players finally sprinted to their bus, people ran alongside the vehicle, waving and banging on the windows until it was led off by a police escort.

The beginning of Ginobili's day had been slightly less chaotic — a visit to the Government House to meet Argentine President Nestor Kirchner. Ginobili and the NBA contingent, which included Spurs director of player development Brett Brown, presented Kirchner with an autographed basketball. A handful of the president's top staffers asked Ginobili for his autograph.

"If I stand here long enough," Kirchner said while posing for a photo with the players, "maybe I can be part of them."

Ginobili also participated in an afternoon news conference for the camp, which drew more than 100 reporters. The media demand for Ginobili has been so great, he agreed to a separate news conference Thursday, four hours after he landed in the country. At least two TV stations televised the event live.

"Why does Tony Parker not pass you the ball?" asked one reporter. "To Argentina, he is the antichrist."

"It feels a little awkward, but very rewarding," Ginobili said of the attention. "Having some people that you never expect to show you admiration — and to hear the president stays awake until 2 a.m. to see you play — things like that are incredible. I'm a little shocked right now."

The president wasn't the only one watching the NBA Finals. The Spurs' Game 7 victory set a ratings record, stunning for a country whose passion for soccer has been unrivaled for years. More than 50 percent of the sports coverage in the country's newspapers was devoted to the Finals.

"Before, people didn't really have a loyalty to a team," said Horacio Muratore, head of Argentina's basketball federation. "They liked the Bulls for (Michael) Jordan. They liked the Lakers for Magic (Johnson). But now everybody is a San Antonio fan."

Including Diego Maradona, the soccer legend by which all Argentine athletes are measured. Maradona interviewed Ginobili by phone for a national talk show last week. Afterward, he asked for one of Ginobili's jerseys.

"When a guy you admired — a guy you used to get emotional watching — tells you that," Ginobili said, "that's when it hits you."

timvp

07-02-2005, 12:52 AM

"Why does Tony Parker not pass you the ball?" asked one reporter. "To Argentina, he is the antichrist."

Apology Accepted.

:lol

Argentina hates Tony Parker. I haven't figured it out yet.

constantstate

07-02-2005, 12:58 AM

:lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol :lol

damn... the antichrist.

whottt

07-02-2005, 01:00 AM

Someone tell Ludden to stop screwing around in Argentina and clear up the Horry EBR controversy he created.

EasilyAmused

07-02-2005, 01:12 AM

Mah-nu! Mah-nu! Mah-nu!

:elephant

Poor Tony! Don't worry buddy, Manu dosen't think you are the antichrist :lol

constantstate

07-02-2005, 01:13 AM

mutombo's name has been all over the place lately (here)

whottt

07-02-2005, 01:17 AM

Yeah....Pop's been known to visit with C's personally prior to recruitment...I wonder if he's doing more than just talking with Scola...

If Deke is indeed a FA...I have no doubt that he and Pop will hit it off...

I normally don't try to figure Pop...but an old great defensive C like Mutombo? Pop'll get wood.

Sign Horry
Split MLE with Scola and Mutombo(or Deke for vet min)
Sign Devin
Invite all the stud SF's, that didn't get drafted, to training camp(my own personal choice is Katelynas because talent + work ethic = sucess)

If not a young guy get Bo Outlaw.

Roll to another title...

Just like that.

constantstate

07-02-2005, 01:24 AM

i like everything except the devin part. he wont get any playing time here... and if he can get more money somewhere, he deserves it. plus the overall payroll people have been talking about is getting scary. (as in: they wont pay it)

Mr. Body

07-02-2005, 01:25 AM

"Why does Tony Parker not pass you the ball?" asked one reporter. "To Argentina, he is the antichrist."

That's freaking hilarious.

It got me wondering, for all the people here from Argentina: did all the Finals coverage in your media center only on Manu, or did they have features on some of the other players, like the San Antonio writers are good at doing? We see people don't like Parker in general, but what about Tim, Bowen, Nazr, and the rest? Is there a general view of them?

Thanks!

constantstate

07-02-2005, 01:29 AM

tim = john
manu = paul
tony = yoko

?

whottt

07-02-2005, 01:30 AM

Lmao

Timoha

07-02-2005, 01:32 AM

Nah, Manu = David bowei

Tim = Pink Floyd (the group)

Bowen = Ringo Starr

Tony = Merilyn Manson

(Sorry, that was truely random, perheps we should start a thread comparing Spurs players to rock stars)

Kori Ellis

07-02-2005, 01:33 AM

constantstate

07-02-2005, 01:38 AM

its really cool to see all the press about manu there, and tony in france. but i wonder if people in the virgin islands ever thought aj was the devil? :wow

in argentina tony parker is the devil... in france tim duncan is a ball-hog... and somewhere slovenians are thinking pop is dumb.

SpursDork

07-02-2005, 01:46 AM

In France people think TD is a ballhog? I know about the animosity that ARG feels for TP but I've never heard that one.

TMTTRIO

07-02-2005, 01:50 AM

Interesting quote here from another article.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Manu Ginobili is home again and trying his best to lower the volume on his celebrity. That is no easy thing for someone who is greeted by his president and likened to Diego Maradona in a country where soccer is king.

"Even if I had a chance to put on 17 championship rings, I'd still feel no different," he said. "Talking about achievements makes me uncomfortable."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_GLOBAL_GINOBILI?SITE=TXSAE&SECTION=SPORTS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

constantstate

07-02-2005, 01:51 AM

In France people think TD is a ballhog? I know about the animosity that ARG feels for TP but I've never heard that one.
i was just kidding... i was saying that in france people probably think tony should be taking more shots... in argentina, manu should be getting the ball more... and slovenian fans probably feel pop should have started rasho in the playoffs. :) as long as san antonio has theml, and they get along great together... thats probably the way fans should feel about their "favorite" players.

Cant_Be_Faded

07-02-2005, 01:52 AM

wow they really treat him as god over there....its like he's michael jackson at his peak

whottt

07-02-2005, 01:57 AM

but i wonder if people in the virgin islands ever thought aj was the devil? :wow
.

You don't have to be from the Virgin Islands to think AJ is the devil...trust me on this.

TheTruth

07-02-2005, 02:01 AM

wow they really treat him as god over there....its like he's michael jackson at his peak
Or David Hasselhoff whenever he visits Germany.

Aggie Hoopsfan

07-02-2005, 02:02 AM

"Why does Tony Parker not pass you the ball?" asked one reporter. "To Argentina, he is the antichrist."

:lol Damn that's fucked up.

Marhq

07-02-2005, 07:29 AM

ALVAREZ6

07-02-2005, 07:36 AM

"Why does Tony Parker not pass you the ball?" asked one reporter. "To Argentina, he is the antichrist."

:lol

I can't believe that reporter asked that...

bigbendbruisebrother

07-02-2005, 08:04 AM

What's funny is that Tony and Manu love each other as teammates and off the court. I know that when Manu reads/hears that people think Tony don't pass him the ball (or think Tony has issues with Manu's success), Manu thinks it's ridiculous.

I wonder what Manu's response was to that specific charge in the press conference. I wish Ludden would've published it.

PS I hope someone get's busy photoshopping Tony into Satan's spawn.

exstatic

07-02-2005, 08:19 AM

:lol I think the simple answer to that reporter's question is that Tony creates shots for those on the team that need it, and Manu isn't one of them. He can, and does, get his own.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 08:34 AM

Apology Accepted.

:lol

Argentina hates Tony Parker. I haven't figured it out yet. Yes Timvp, to all the pond dwelling ignorants here in Argentina Tony IS the anti-christ! but wait I forgot, you don't have ignorance in the states, everyone is enlightened. You want to think you're right TimVP, then thats your problem. Instead of believing us informed Argentinian fans, you seem intent in just focusing on the ones that follow basketball just because Manu is playing. REAL ARGENTINIAN BASKETBALL FANS DO NOT HATE TONY!! GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL!

Jelly

07-02-2005, 08:39 AM

The Tony hate can be explained by this IMO:

1) Tony denies the ball to Manu in the eyes of us Manu homers :lol
2) A lot of people watched their first NBA finals this year and the guy doing the play by play talked crap about Tony from start to finish.
3) Moronic non sports journalists went to Manu's press conference because of his celebrity status.

I believe that most fans and media that can get over their homerism see the potential Tony has, despite his flaws.

thanks for filling in some of the blanks.
I think a lot of people don't realize how much strategy there is behind the ball movement. Don't Argentineans wonder what is being said during all those time-outs? They're not planning dinner parties. If Tony doesn't pass the ball directly to Manu very often (and I never noticed this), it's because Pop doesn't want him to. Still, I'm glad the Spurs are getting press in Argentina, even if it is mainly about Manu.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 09:09 AM

I want to make this very clear, the reporter that asked that, knows shit about basketball, and the people that know shit about basketball and still talk about basketball tend to say and ask idiotic things. I don't know why all of a sudden the word of one reporter makes it official that Argentina hates Tony Parker! Do you not have idiot reporters in the states??? Ex. Smith?? Add to that the fact that shock reporters over here are exactly the same as in the US, meaning all they look for is controversy, and for the life of me I really can't understand why everyone takes this guy's word so seriosly.

That's freaking hilarious.

It got me wondering, for all the people here from Argentina: did all the Finals coverage in your media center only on Manu, or did they have features on some of the other players, like the San Antonio writers are good at doing? We see people don't like Parker in general, but what about Tim, Bowen, Nazr, and the rest? Is there a general view of them?

Thanks!

Our coverage of the NBA over here is probably as biased as the states coverage of soccer. Yes Manu is the center of attention over here, but is that such a surprise to you people? You have Landon Donovan running along Ronaldhinio for best soccer player of the year!! Any self respecting soccer fan knows that Donovan is not even among the top 30, just like any self respecting basketball fan knows that Manu is not as great as people make him out to be.

Clandestino

07-02-2005, 09:23 AM

Jelly

07-02-2005, 09:24 AM

I don't know why all of a sudden the word of one reporter makes it official that Argentina hates Tony Parker! Do you not have idiot reporters in the states??? Ex. Smith?? Add to that the fact that shock reporters over here are exactly the same as in the US, meaning all they look for is controversy, and for the life of me I really can't understand why everyone takes this guy's word so seriosly.

Our coverage of the NBA over here is probably as biased as the states coverage of soccer. Yes Manu is the center of attention over here, but is that such a surprise to you people? You have Landon Donovan running along Ronaldhinio for best soccer player of the year!! Any self respecting soccer fan knows that Donovan is not even among the top 30, just like any self respecting basketball fan knows that Manu is not as great as people make him out to be.

This would be a good point, except that soccer is really not followed or covered here. I, for one, have never heard of Landon Donovan. And I am am avid ESPN watcher. But if soccer were covered by the media here, I'm sure it would be centered on American players.

I think it's not what one reporter said, but rather has more to do with the information given by a few sources on this board that Tony Parker is considered the Anti-Christ to Argentina.

AlamoSpursFan

07-02-2005, 09:28 AM

Two overzealous TV reporters jostled with NBA officials when they weren't allowed to get close to Ginobili.

Where's The Gambler when you need him?

:lol

Ginobili_20_gold_medalist

07-02-2005, 10:16 AM

Is this Ginobili's idea of a vacation? Even though he's "not touching a basketball" it still doesn't sound like he's getting much rest.

spurschick

07-02-2005, 10:19 AM

Is this Ginobili's idea of a vacation? Even though he's "not touching a basketball" it still doesn't sound like he's getting much rest.

Basketball without Borders is a great program and it gives him the opportunity to give back to his country, which is very important to him. It ends Monday. He'll have plenty of time to rest after that.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 10:28 AM

This would be a good point, except that soccer is really not followed or covered here. I, for one, have never heard of Landon Donovan. And I am am avid ESPN watcher. But if soccer were covered by the media here, I'm sure it would be centered on American players.

I think it's not what one reporter said, but rather has more to do with the information given by a few sources on this board that Tony Parker is considered the Anti-Christ to Argentina.
Read my first post on this thread

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 11:39 AM

1Parker1

07-02-2005, 11:43 AM

:lmao @ Parker is the Anti-Christ. $20 bucks says that was no reporter who asked that question, but IceBrewski himself!

EasilyAmused

07-02-2005, 12:02 PM

You have Landon Donovan running along Ronaldhinio for best soccer player of the year!! Any self respecting soccer fan knows that Donovan is not even among the top 30, just like any self respecting basketball fan knows that Manu is not as great as people make him out to be.

Hey, Hey I like Landon Donovan!!! :depressed He is one of our best! :drunk

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 12:04 PM

Hey, Hey I like Landon Donovan!!! :depressed He is one of our best! :drunk
I like Donovan too, I think he's a very good soccer player

EasilyAmused

07-02-2005, 12:10 PM

I like Donovan too, I think he's a very good soccer player

For the record- I know what you were trying to say by making that comparison. :)

clubalien

07-02-2005, 12:19 PM

manu=m jackson
Oh crap I am a manu fan
does that make me a sicko too?

Jelly

07-02-2005, 12:24 PM

if the US won the World Cup all hell woul break loose in the states, and you know it

First of all, that's not true, and secondly, what the hell does that have to do with anything I said??????????

As I ADMITTED, if soccer WERE covered by the U.S. media the coverage would definitely center on American players!!! But it DOES NOT get press over here! You are going on about Donavan being hailed as some kind of hero over here and I am telling you that he is practically unheard of!!!

I'm sorry to tell you that if the U.S., by some miracle, won the world cup, hell WOULD NOT break loose, but people would certainly be very excited. That excitement would eventually die down and then we'd get back to worrying about basketball, baseball, and football.
I'm sorry if you and the rest of the world's feelings are hurt that soccer is not popular over here - BUT IT JUST ISN'T!

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 12:38 PM

First of all, that's not true, and secondly, what the hell does that have to do with anything I said??????????

As I ADMITTED, if soccer WERE covered by the U.S. media the coverage would definitely center on American players!!! But it DOES NOT get press over here! You are going on about Donavan being hailed as some kind of hero over here and I am telling you that he is practically unheard of!!!

I'm sorry to tell you that if the U.S., by some miracle, won the world cup, hell WOULD NOT break loose, but people would certainly be very excited. That excitement would eventually die down and then we'd get back to worrying about basketball, baseball, and football.
I'm sorry if you and the rest of the world's feelings are hurt that soccer is not popular over here - BUT IT JUST ISN'T!
Our feelings? hurt?? I couldn't give a rats ass if the US gave a shit about soccer or not. But the fact is you have about 300 million people over there, and soccer does have a good following. The fact that you don't give a shit about soccer does not mean EVERY american doesn't. I know plenty of avid american soccer fans. I know for a fact that the US has live broadcasts of the European leagues and the World Cup so I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm not saying its one of the most popular sports, but it IS popular.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 12:38 PM

For the record- I know what you were trying to say by making that comparison. :)
thanks, at least someone got it.

Jelly

07-02-2005, 01:00 PM

Our feelings? hurt?? I couldn't give a rats ass if the US gave a shit about soccer or not. But the fact is you have about 300 million people over there, and soccer does have a good following. The fact that you don't give a shit about soccer does not mean EVERY american doesn't. I know plenty of avid american soccer fans. I know for a fact that the US has live broadcasts of the European leagues and the World Cup so I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm not saying its one of the most popular sports, but it IS popular.

I recently read a poll asking Americans to list their favorite spectator sport. I believe soccer was listed in 9th place and got 2% of the vote. Women's golf and gymnastics were more popular than soccer.
I hardly said EVERY AMERICAN doesn't give a shit about soccer. Naturally, I am speaking in generalities and it is a well known fact that soccer does not have much of a following in the United States.

"I know for a fact that the US has live broadcasts of the European leagues and the World Cup so I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm not saying its one of the most popular sports, but it IS popular"

No, sorry, you can not say it is popular. It is not "popular", although some people do watch it. Just because the US has live broadcasts of Euro leagues doesn't mean anything. The U.S. has live broadcasts of Bass Fishing for crying out loud. I just looked at what is being shown on the sports networks today. Some of the sports being shown today are "American Gun Dog", "Cycling", "Four Wheeling", "Simply Fishing", "Extreme Sports" "Monster Truck Show" "Cricketing Classics" "Australian Rules Football" "American Angler" (another fishing show), Deer Hunting.... and of course "Soccer". See! Something for everyone. Simply being on TV here does not make a sport popular.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 01:29 PM

I recently read a poll asking Americans to list their favorite spectator sport. I believe soccer was listed in 9th place and got 2% of the vote. Women's golf and gymnastics were more popular than soccer.
I hardly said EVERY AMERICAN doesn't give a shit about soccer. Naturally, I am speaking in generalities and it is a well known fact that soccer does not have much of a following in the United States.

"I know for a fact that the US has live broadcasts of the European leagues and the World Cup so I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm not saying its one of the most popular sports, but it IS popular"

No, sorry, you can not say it is popular. It is not "popular", although some people do watch it. Just because the US has live broadcasts of Euro leagues doesn't mean anything. The U.S. has live broadcasts of Bass Fishing for crying out loud. I just looked at what is being shown on the sports networks today. Some of the sports being shown today are "American Gun Dog", "Cycling", "Four Wheeling", "Simply Fishing", "Extreme Sports" "Monster Truck Show" "Cricketing Classics" "Australian Rules Football" "American Angler" (another fishing show), Deer Hunting.... and of course "Soccer". See! Something for everyone. Simply being on TV here does not make a sport popular.
Fine, soccer might no be that popular, but trust me, before Manu came along neither was basketball in Argentina. So the comparison still stands. Bandwagon fans that don't care about anything other than Manu having a good night does not constitute an "NBA" following. I'd venture to say REAL basketball fans in Argentina are about as few as soccer fans are in the US. My point was, if Landon Donovan was to be the leading scorer in the US team that won the World Cup I guarantee that there will be American bandwagon fans spreading like brushfire.

Jelly

07-02-2005, 01:30 PM

Ok, lets say soccer isn't popular in the US. This whole thing started with the "Argentinians hate Tony Parker", and I said real argentinian basketball fans don't hate Parker. Are you saying you disagree?

Manumania,
No, I'm not saying I disagree and I don't believe I ever said that. It's not my place to disagree since I'm not Argentinian and have never even been there, so I will defer to your impression that "real argentinian fans don't hate Tony Parker".
I simply responded to your statement (or someone elses...too lazy to look now) that they couldn't believe everyone was getting irate over what one reporter said. And I only said that I believe the reaction was based less on just one reporter and more to do with several people/sources stating that Parker is very unpopular over there. I appreciate that true Argentine B-ball fans do not hate Parker. I also recognize that "the masses" in every country, including the U.S., are usually not
well informed and are often irrational when it comes to sports.

Jelly

07-02-2005, 01:35 PM

Fine, soccer might no be that popular, but trust me, before Manu came along neither was basketball in Argentina. So the comparison still stands. Bandwagon fans that don't care about anything other than Manu having a good night does not constitute an "NBA" following. I'd venture to say REAL basketball fans in Argentina are about as few as soccer fans are in the US. My point was, if Landon Donovan was to be the leading scorer in the US team that won the World Cup I guarantee that there will be American bandwagon fans spreading like brushfire.

Manumania - I think we are both arguing the same point! :bang :)

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 01:36 PM

Manumania,
No, I'm not saying I disagree and I don't believe I ever said that. It's not my place to disagree since I'm not Argentinian and have never even been there, so I will defer to your impression that "real argentinian fans don't hate Tony Parker".
I simply responded to your statement (or someone elses...too lazy to look now) that they couldn't believe everyone was getting irate over what one reporter said. And I only said that I believe the reaction was based less on just one reporter and more to do with several people/sources stating that Parker is very unpopular over there. I appreciate that true Argentine B-ball fans do not hate Parker. I also recognize that "the masses" in every country, including the U.S., are usually not
well informed and are often irrational when it comes to sports. got it, we were arguing same things then, 'cause we seem to agree

MaNuMaNiAc

07-02-2005, 01:37 PM

Manumania - I think we are both arguing the same point! :bang :)
:lmao

manubili

07-02-2005, 04:11 PM

MaNuMaNiA is right.
Now, everybody around here is a life-time Spurs fan. The manumania in argentina isn't because of argentinean traditional love for NBA, or Basketball. If Manu was a soccer player, it would be the same. It's all about the love-for-the-idol adiction, and Manu just fit very well in these shoes. He is fair, humble, good looking, heroic, middle-class kid battling for honour far away from home.

Take in care that argentinean soccer isn't what it used to be. Our main sport idol, Maradona, is a recovered addict, and we have no replacement so far.

Except for Manu.

Us, old basketball fans, around here, have to deal with it. I only hope that this manumania bring more attention to the argentinean National League, which have been, for decades, completely overlooked by the local media.

BadlyDrawnBoy

07-02-2005, 07:40 PM

Ole!

WalterBenitez

07-02-2005, 08:18 PM

Manu good looking!!??

Jesus, you are in the same page with my sister, Manu is whatever you want, I love this kid so much ... but good looking :lmao

timvp

07-02-2005, 08:29 PM

Yes Timvp, to all the pond dwelling ignorants here in Argentina Tony IS the anti-christ! but wait I forgot, you don't have ignorance in the states, everyone is enlightened. You want to think you're right TimVP, then thats your problem. Instead of believing us informed Argentinian fans, you seem intent in just focusing on the ones that follow basketball just because Manu is playing. REAL ARGENTINIAN BASKETBALL FANS DO NOT HATE TONY!! GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL!

Calm down :)

Just because I say Argentina hates Tony Parker, that doesn't mean everyone in Argentina hates Tony Parker. As a whole, if you took a survey, my guess is that Tony Parker would be the winner when asked what player do you like least.

I'm not saying it in a negative way. It's just an observation. Much in the same way Spurs fans (locally at least) all turned on Malik Rose, David Robinson, Avery Johnson, etc at one time or another. When I said Spurs fans hate Malik Rose, that didn't mean every single one.

But yeah, I can understand how a new basketball fan in Argentina would turn against TP. He's not a classic point guard and those fans are watching the game just to see Manu get the ball. I'm guessing any point guard would be looked down upon who didn't constantly pass to the team's shooting guard.

I never intended it to be an insult, just an observation. And as you can see from reading on the forum, Argentina isn't alone in its anti-Parker takes.

P.S.

Now that Manumania is taking over in Argentina, you can expect the number of great Argentine basketball players to raise over the next couple decades.

:smokin

1Parker1

07-02-2005, 09:06 PM

Calm down :)

Just because I say Argentina hates Tony Parker, that doesn't mean everyone in Argentina hates Tony Parker. As a whole, if you took a survey, my guess is that Tony Parker would be the winner when asked what player do you like least.

I'm not saying it in a negative way. It's just an observation. Much in the same way Spurs fans (locally at least) all turned on Malik Rose, David Robinson, Avery Johnson, etc at one time or another. When I said Spurs fans hate Malik Rose, that didn't mean every single one.

But yeah, I can understand how a new basketball fan in Argentina would turn against TP. He's not a classic point guard and those fans are watching the game just to see Manu get the ball. I'm guessing any point guard would be looked down upon who didn't constantly pass to the team's shooting guard.

I never intended it to be an insult, just an observation. And as you can see from reading on the forum, Argentina isn't alone in its anti-Parker takes.

P.S.

Now that Manumania is taking over in Argentina, you can expect the number of great Argentine basketball players to raise over the next couple decades.

:smokin

:owned

spurschick

07-02-2005, 09:14 PM

Manu good looking!!??

Jesus, you are in the same page with my sister, Manu is whatever you want, I love this kid so much ... but good looking :lmao

Extremely good looking! Drool. :makeout
But that's just my opinion...

Jelly

07-02-2005, 09:21 PM

Manu good looking!!??

Jesus, you are in the same page with my sister, Manu is whatever you want, I love this kid so much ... but good looking :lmao

You're obviously not a female or gay male. Manu is gorrrrgeeooouuuussssss. One of the sexiest men alive if you ask me. I'd put a poster of him above my bed if I wasn't 30-something years old. :makeout

EasilyAmused

07-02-2005, 09:42 PM

:owned
Not very nice...only adding fuel to the fire :depressed

One of the sexiest men alive if you ask me. I'd put a poster of him above my bed if I wasn't 30-something years old.

Same here....or married :lol

WalterBenitez

07-02-2005, 10:17 PM

You're obviously not a female or gay male. Manu is gorrrrgeeooouuuussssss. One of the sexiest men alive if you ask me. I'd put a poster of him above my bed if I wasn't 30-something years old. :makeout

I'll have to accept that my sister isnt the only one?? :nerd

:oops I thought TP was THE MAN girls love

anyway I like Manu :D

1Parker1

07-02-2005, 10:25 PM

:lol Manu's cute, just cus he has a huge smile that he always flashes at the camera!

...Now if only he'd do something with that hair...

Kori Ellis

07-02-2005, 10:48 PM

I think the females who think Manu is cute don't actually look at his face. :lmao

I only mean that he has a lot of charm and charisma, but isn't typically good looking.

But anyway, here's some pictures of him from today.

http://www.nba.com/media/espanol/ZORRI18.jpg

http://www.nba.com/media/espanol/ZORRI10.jpg

Kori Ellis

07-02-2005, 10:52 PM

http://www.nba.com/media/espanol/ZORRI16.jpg

Timoha

07-02-2005, 11:45 PM

I think that Manu is very good looking (minus the bold spot.) But I laos think that Tim, Tony, Berry, Beno, Bruce, Rasho and Berry are also good looking. I guess I'm jsut in love with teh Spurs :spin

smeagol

07-02-2005, 11:56 PM

Now that Manumania is taking over in Argentina,
MaNuMaNiA, are you overtaking our president? :wow

MaNuMaNiAc

07-03-2005, 12:46 AM

:owned
? I don't get how it is he owned me. I was right

EasilyAmused

07-03-2005, 01:37 AM

I think the females who think Manu is cute don't actually look at his face. :lmao

I only mean that he has a lot of charm and charisma, but isn't typically good looking.

Kori!!! :lol

*sigh* Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

But really, there is something attractive about him ( for me) the first time I saw an interview with him, back in 2003, I think it was some show called Ole, I can't rememeber right now- he had this "genuine" feel about him and then that beautiful smile- he just captivated me. Okay, I have to go hubby looking over shoulder :lol

Thanks for the pictures!

boutons

07-03-2005, 01:39 AM

" only mean that he has a lot of charm and charisma, but isn't typically good looking."

Charm and charisma, and esp Manu's humble authenticity, are much more important and durable than temporary superficialities like good looks.

Jelly

07-03-2005, 08:29 AM

I think that Manu is very good looking (minus the bold spot.) But I laos think that Tim, Tony, Berry, Beno, Bruce, Rasho and Berry are also good looking.

I agree. We female Spurs fans are very lucky.
p.s. don't forget Horry. He's nice looking too.

manubili

07-03-2005, 01:02 PM

MaNuMaNiAc

07-03-2005, 01:52 PM

Yeah, I couldn't believe it either. But there's a lot of cheeks with as Manu - sudden-crash.
Manu gives the rest of male-humans-that-don't-look-like-jude-law some chance to feel handsome!

You can have a big nose, and an ugly bold spot, and still be attractive!

Go Manu go!
:lmao I think you're forgetting be rich, famous, and married (married guys always seem to get more attention, something to do with gals wanting what they cannot have hehehe!)

Jelly

07-03-2005, 03:05 PM

:lmao I think you're forgetting be rich, famous, and married (married guys always seem to get more attention, something to do with gals wanting what they cannot have hehehe!)

You guys are just jealous. Manu has beautiful bedroom eyes, a really good complexion, sexy wavy hair that every woman would love to run her fingers through, and a very sexy accent. He also has this sort of ...how can I put it.... "mystique" about him.

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 02:15 PM

Inagra... Who´s the Girl with Angelina Jolie in your Avatar? She`s an angel!!!

And no, the argentinians doesn´t think that TP is the Antichrist!!
And I as a Bball fan, don´t hate him but sometimes I think he could be more dependable and not make so many TO as he did in the Finals and not play at full speed all the time. Anyways I think he´s more a Shooting Guard than a Point Guard.

Don´t compare to others players as somebody did with Chauncey Billups at his age. Chauncey was rejected from his old team and never get the chances and the minutes than Pop is giving to TP. He ´s good but must improve a lot of things. I´m watching the Spurs since I was a teenager (I see DRob as a rookie) and I never feel he (TP) understand the game. He always takes shots and go to the rim. But no assist, 3 point shoot and no FT %... a point guard!!!

Manu was playing PG last games.
Tony is good, but he must work a lot!!! I still have hope... he´s 23 but in the last 3 years he still playing the same way...

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 02:18 PM

TP seems to get a lot of grief from the Argentine regulars in this forum because he's another non-US player vying for the unofficial title of second star as well as best foreign Spurs player.

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 02:27 PM

I 'll love to have some dependable Point Guard but is a dream right now. And I don´t care if he is the second star or not.
We just love success and good players. I love soccer, but if my team win but doesn´t play good then I feel bothered. And the same is for Bball

Tony Parker is the future? I agree...
Right now he´s got better stats than Manu? (Regular Season, he still struggle in the Playoffs) ok but also see the % (how many shots take and how many he score)
And again, he is the point guard!!! I don´t care if he score, but if he can´t then pass the ball!!! Not just to Manu but to another player who is open...!!

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 02:32 PM

Again, I think Parker's age is key. He's only 23. Yes, he does have room to improve, but do we doubt that he can?

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 02:46 PM

We all agree on that, the problem is the present, why we must suffer that much if we can beat the teams more easy with a dependable PG? Or maybe have some decent backup Point-Guard?

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 02:47 PM

Who is a "dependable" PG that the Spurs can acquire who is a better player than Parker?

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 02:48 PM

I remember when the Spurs played with Terry Porter and Avery Johnson... don´t you remember Speedy Claxton against the Nets?

smeagol

07-04-2005, 02:50 PM

TP seems to get a lot of grief from the Argentine regulars in this forum because he's another non-US player vying for the unofficial title of second star as well as best foreign Spurs player.
He gets a lot of shit from the locals too. And I'm not talking only brewski here.

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 02:51 PM

That was one 4th quarter with him knocking down a couple Js. That's not enough to hang Parker with.

Again, who can the Spurs realistically acquire who is going to be better?

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 02:56 PM

I agree with you Marcus... nobody

But we still have hopes in Beno and Barry. Barry improves a lot last games. And Beno will be better. If they don´t then the Spurs will need a real PG even as a backup next year.

And not even crazy or with damage brain I should trade Tony Parker. If he improves, then he will be the next Magic...

And I´m not being sarcastic

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 03:13 PM

Parker is going to be very good to great in this league for a long time. At age 23 he is light years ahead of where most star point guards were at his age, sans Magic.

The Spurs have already faced the question of 'do we go with a more experienced point guard now to maximize Tim Duncan's prime?' Now, it's all about winning while TP matures.

boutons

07-04-2005, 04:11 PM

"he will be the next Magic"

Tony will not be at his peak what Magic was his rookie year.

FoxMulder

07-04-2005, 04:15 PM

Only if he can put more than 10 Assist PG. What he´s doesn't right now.

MaNuMaNiAc

07-04-2005, 04:19 PM

TP seems to get a lot of grief from the Argentine regulars in this forum because he's another non-US player vying for the unofficial title of second star as well as best foreign Spurs player.
Not to rain on your parade, but I think that argument was settled

WalterBenitez

07-04-2005, 04:44 PM

Let the kid alone, he's only 23 ... and besides bball he has good skills (remember EVA, he sings ...)

Horry For 3!

07-04-2005, 04:53 PM

hahaha Thats great stuff about Tony bein the Antichrist.

Marcus Bryant

07-04-2005, 04:57 PM

When it's all said and done, TP will have had a better pro basketball career than Saint Emmanuel.

spurschick

07-04-2005, 05:01 PM

1Parker1

07-04-2005, 05:10 PM

I think the females who think Manu is cute don't actually look at his face.

I only mean that he has a lot of charm and charisma, but isn't typically good looking.

But anyway, here's some pictures of him from today.--Kori Ellis

:lol Kori, are you indirectly trying to imply we have bad taste?

Seriously, I agree I think it's Manu's personality that makes him so popular with women and men. He seems very down to Earth and genuinely happy. Plus, the sexy accent helps...

1Parker1

07-04-2005, 05:10 PM

Kori Ellis

07-04-2005, 05:13 PM

Kori, are you indirectly trying to imply we have bad taste?

No. :lol Just saying that the girls who like him and looking at the whole package, not just his face. Most guys who say that Manu's not good looking are probably just looking at his face.

austinfan

07-04-2005, 05:16 PM

Revelations 9:9

"And a demon will ascend from the depths of darkness, wearing a cap turned backwards to hide his horns and expensive shades to cover his black eyes. He will spew forth an unfamiliar language with a funky beat. He will call the hardwood his throne and break the ankles of those that try to defeat him. You will know him by the sultry succubus that keeps his company."

OMG, spurschick, that's one of the funniest posts I've read in a long time!!! :spin

And just to add my .02, I love Manu and Timmy, but I don't get the TP hate at all. He's 5 years away from his prime and still developing his basketball IQ. If he's playing like this when he's 28, then, yeah, he probably won't be on the Spurs roster anymore, but he needs time to develop into his role in the meantime. I get the feeling Pop wants Parker to really get his defensive techniques down cold before he lets him loose with more offense.

spurschick

07-04-2005, 05:33 PM

No. :lol Just saying that the girls who like him and looking at the whole package, not just his face. Most guys who say that Manu's not good looking are probably just looking at his face.

hehehe... you said "package"

kolko

07-04-2005, 06:40 PM

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050704/capt.bai10307042226.argentina_basketball_without_b orders_bai103.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050704/capt.bai10407042223.argentina_basketball_without_b orders_bai104.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050704/capt.bai10507042223.argentina_basketball_without_b orders_bai105.jpg

EasilyAmused

07-04-2005, 06:52 PM

Revelations 9:9

"And a demon will ascend from the depths of darkness, wearing a cap turned backwards to hide his horns and expensive shades to cover his black eyes. He will spew forth an unfamiliar language with a funky beat. He will call the hardwood his throne and break the ankles of those that try to defeat him. You will know him by the sultry succubus that keeps his company."

:lmao :lol
Girl -that was very creative!

I don't get the TP hate at all.

Same here but as long as the players like each other, who cares what we think.

On a sidenote- my 63 year old mom thinks TP is georgeous! I don't think she gets my Manu love :lol

hehehe... you said "package"

get your mind out of the gutter! :lol

Thanks for the pictures kolko :elephant

MaNuMaNiAc

07-04-2005, 10:40 PM

why does Arentina hate Parker?
not again... http://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smidepressed.gif

kolko

07-04-2005, 10:46 PM

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/anexos/imagen/05/410960.JPG

http://ar.news.yahoo.com/050704/efe/20050705-632561246151718750w.jpg

timvp

07-04-2005, 10:47 PM

Manu looks tired. When does he finally get some rest?

kolko

07-04-2005, 10:50 PM

Manu looks tired. When does he finally get some rest?

It was the last day of the BWB. He will stay a few days in Bahia Blanca and then go on vacation to somewhere.

timvp

07-04-2005, 10:51 PM

It was the last day of the BWB. He will stay a few days in Bahia Blanca and then go on vacation to somewhere.

Nice, thanks.

Any news if Pop and Scola ever talked?

kolko

07-04-2005, 10:53 PM

Any news if Pop and Scola ever talked?

Nothing was reported. But Pop said today that Scola is the main priority this summer.

kolko

07-04-2005, 11:29 PM

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/anexos/imagen/05/411091.JPG

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/anexos/imagen/05/411088.JPG

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/anexos/imagen/05/411090.JPG

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/anexos/imagen/05/411089.JPG

http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/07/05/fotos/t052dh01.jpg

http://www.clarin.com/diario/2005/07/05/fotos/t052dh02.jpg