ITA/ARG – Emanuel Ginobili cheers for Italy as host of the 2014 FIBA World Championship
ROME (2014 FIBA World Championship) - Manu Ginobili accepts he may not be playing for Argentina by the time the 2014 FIBA World Championship comes around but don’t bet against him missing the event. “In 2014, I will be 37 and it is not sure that I will be playing for my home country Argentina,” he says. “However, I will be at ...
ROME (2014 FIBA World Championship) - Manu Ginobili accepts he may not be playing for Argentina by the time the 2014 FIBA World Championship comes around but don’t bet against him missing the event.
“In 2014, I will be 37 and it is not sure that I will be playing for my home country Argentina,” he says.
“However, I will be at the event to enjoy the global basketball party.”
Ginobili, the most valuable player of the 2004 Olympics after leading Argentina to gold in Athens, has enjoyed a remarkable career.
After playing in Argentina as a youngster, he crossed the Atlantic and launched his European career in Italy and even won a Euroleague title with Virtus Bologna in 2001.
He played for Argentina’s national team at the 2002 FIBA World Championship in Indianapolis and has been a big hit in North America ever since.
Since joining the San Antonio Spurs for the 2002-03 campaign, Ginobili has captured three NBA titles.
His name is in bright lights in America but know this – Ginobili hit the heights in Italy long before his journey to the USA.
“In Reggio Calabria and Bologna, I became the player I am today and my success in the NBA is also a result from the fact that my teams and coaches trusted in me and I had the chance to improve on the court,” he said.
Italy are hoping to be selected on May 23 by the FIBA Central Board as the hosts of the 2014 FIBA World Championship with Spain and China wanting to stage the event as well.
"I cheer for Italy as hosts for 2014,” he said in a statement by the Italian federation.
“For various reasons, your country is also mine!
“I am sure that Italy is able to organize an event of such importance.”
Do mistake that support, however, with the team he’ll be rooting for whenever an international tournament takes place.
“On the court, I am definitely cheering for Argentina, but I support the bid of Italy so that for the 2014 FIBA World Championship, I get the chance to return to a country where I will always feel at home."
FIBA