Although interest in the NBA finals hit record lows in the United States, the event was big news here in Argentina. As the only NBA squad with two Argentinian players on its roster, the San Antonio Spurs have been adopted as Argentina's favorite team. News reports throughout the season detailed the play of both Manu Ginóbili and Fabricio Oberto, often bumping high-profile players like Tim Duncan and finals MVP Tony Parker from the headlines. Coverage often refers to "The Spurs of Manu and Oberto" and breaks down even lackluster performances from these players.
Today's Clarín has an article with the headline "Ginóbili and Oberto were fundamental for San Antonio's new consecration" and text citing passages about the Argentinian players from news outlets like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and USA Today.
Although the desire to cheer their countrymen is completely understandable, one can't help but notice the irony of Argentinian sports fans rooting for a team from San Antonio. In a country where little pot-shots at the United States are commonplace, Ginóbili and Oberto have become superstars by playing in Texas of all places.
Fútbol still reigns supreme in Argentina, but interest in basketball and the NBA in particular is on the rise. Last year one fan started a blog called "Argentinians in the NBA" which details the trials and tribulations of all five Argentinians in the league. If current trends continue (not to mention highly dubious racially-motivated conspiracies), NBA basketball is sure to become a permanent staple of the Argentinian sporting diet.
It is also possible that Argentinians just want to watch Tony Parker's girlfriend Eva Longoria on the sidelines.
Desperate Housewives is popular here too.
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