[veronicarae10]

Alright this article I worked on over the past few days. Hope this determines whether I can have my spot back.

Manu Ginobili

Argentina; a large Hispanic country where you can find beautiful mountains, peaceful waterfalls, and a basketball court. That’s right, a basketball court. Though Argentina doesn’t seem to be a place for basketball, you’d be surprised how many talented basketball players come from the lands of Argentina. Just take Emanuel Ginobili (more commonly known as Manu).

Born in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, Manu was raised in a great town full of basketball fans. Though almost everyone in Argentina lived for soccer, Bahia Blanca was an exception. Bahia Blanca had many basketball clubs, one of which Manu joined while growing up. Manu had a natural talent for the game, and loved it since the first time he ever picked up a ball. Manu continued to play for basketball leagues in Argentina, but at the age of 18, Manu made his pro debut in Argentina during the 1995-96 season.

After making this big move, he caught the attention of many European scouts, and for the 1998-99 season, he signed with Basket Viola Reggio Calabria in Italy. He continued to improve with Reggie, and in his second season became the Italian League Player Of The Year. Manu’s talent was still attracting many eyes around the world, especially after his second season with Reggie. Among those who had been keeping eyes on him was R.C. Buford, the GM for the San Antonio Spurs. Buford first spotted Manu at the 1997 22-and-under World Championships. Buford saw talent in Manu, and come the draft of 1999, he got Manu to be the 2nd pick of the Spurs that year.

Nowadays, Manu is at the top of his game. He was benched for the first few years of his career, but Manu has developed into a strong, determined athlete. In the 2004 Olympics, he competed with Team Italy to bring home a gold medal.

This season Manu helped San Antonio win the 2005 NBA Finals. In the regular season he finished with an average 20 points per game. It’s easy to see why. Manu has one of the best drives in the game. He slowly dribbles outside the arch, then accelerates for the nice, smooth lay-up.

Emanuel Ginobili has come a long way since his days in Argentina. He, with his also talented teammates, proved they were the best this season. But through everything he has been through, every game he has played, and every team has has played with; he is still Manu Ginobili, a man who plays for the love of the game.

This post has been edited by divac12: Jul 5 2005, 08:27 AM