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Hello, spurs fans!<br>
This interview was published today in Argentina, in ole.com.ar, thought you might be interested.<br>
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1) You just signed wit the Spurs, and now your here with the National Team waiting to play in your second World Championship. Is this your best birthday ? <br>
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- I don't know. They were one better than the other. In 97 I was in New Zealand waiting to travel to Australia for the U-22 World Championship. In 98 I had just arrived at Greece to play the WC. Most of the time i've spent it in a basketball camp. I had a good time and even got a present.<br>
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2) Today, at 25 years old, ¿How would you define Emanuel Ginóbili?<br>
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—Another 25 years old guy, only much more established. The difference is I know wich path I'm going to take, how my future is going to be, I don't have to worry about tomorrow. Many of my friends, although they have a title, try every day to find a job. I'm fortunate that what happens to me sportswise makes me calm about every other aspect. <br>
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3) ¿How does it feel to make everyone proud, friends, family, the city...?<br>
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—I don't feel that way. I don't stop to think what I mean, I just keep playing... I know very important things are happening to me, but I live the moment.<br>
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4) ¿What makes you feel more proud as a person and what is your worse shortcoming?<br>
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—That, in spite of all the things that i'm going through, I stay the way i've always been, i keep balance. Regarding shortcomings, I'm sorry I can't spend more time with my family and friends. It makes me mad to know than during my holidays I can only stay a week in Bahia. Anyway, it's not my fault.<br>
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5) ¿Would you rather be connsidered a nice person before an excellent player?<br>
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—Both. They are both important. It's nice to be know as a nice guy, humble, but not as dumb.<br>
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6) ¿What does money mean in your life?<br>
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—It is not the first thing in my life, but it is very important. It makes me not to worry about the future. I know my family will not have any problems, nor my kids. One thing, though: i won't have to mess it up, like putting my money on the banks in this country.<br>
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7) ¿Do youd spend a lot?<br>
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—No. When i was in Argentina i used to save a lot. When I started making more money in Italy, I began to treat myself a little more, but not that much either.<br>
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8.) ¿Do you follow how much money you have in your accounts?<br>
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—No. My father manages the little money I have here. In Italy, whenever i want to know, i just call the bank. I don't count my money everyday.<br>
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9) ¿What does it feel to be a millonaire at age 25?<br>
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—I don't have any economic problems, but still I live a normal life, I don't consider myself a millonaire and i don't live as one. If there's something i'd like to buy or do, i just do it. I don't even realize how much money i make or have. People who are not close to me seem to care a lot more than I. Even on the street someone would stop and ask me how much i make. That bothers me. It bothers me more when they talk more about what i make than how much i play.<br>
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10) ¿Is it impossible to stay the same person as always?<br>
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—It depends on how famous you are. It's not the same Batistuta than me. He can't even go out for dinner. In Bahia, i go out sometimes and i might have to sign an autograph or two, but that's it. As a person i don't think i've changed that much.<br>
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11) ¿How have you changed since your debut in 1995?<br>
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—As a player i've changed 1.000%. As a person, to live 10.000km away from your family gives you a lot of maturity. One year in Italy is like 5 years of a normal kid living with his folks. One has other responsabilities and must face problems alone.<br>
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12) ¿What bothers you the most in a human being?<br>
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—Envy and falseness<br>
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13) Many people believe that these players that make a lot of money and play in Europe, don't live the crisis in Argentina ¿Is it so?<br>
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—Of course i don't live it. I'll never live it, at least not as the people who don't have a job. I watch it on TV, I understand the terrible situation a lot of people is going through, but if it doesn't happen directly to you, you dont' live it. I never lacked anything and probably never will. I'm very lucky.<br>
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14) ¿Do you worry to have a good image, considering that many argentines don't have one?<br>
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—No, if i show a good image, is because that's how i am. I make an effort sometimes when i go out and i don't feel like signing autographs. But i do it anyway. What i have to do is pretty simple and i make a person happy. But i don't do it to have a good image.<br>
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15) ¿Is there something missing in your life?<br>
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—Yes, many things... I miss spending more time with my family and make my own family. I have my girlfriend. We are sure we are going to live together for many years, we've decided to get married. We are going to wait some more time before having kids.<br>
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16) There is some talk about you being the best argentina player ever. ¿How do you feel?<br>
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—Proud. To even be considered is incredible. I haven't watched many, like Cabrera. When i hear people talk about Beto i get goosebumps. <br>
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17) ¿Were you surprised by your career in Europe or did you expect that?<br>
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—I was surprised. I wanted to win the EuroLeague eventually, but to be MVP and be named the best player in Italy twice... That's too much. If you read some of my interviews two years ago, i was going to Kinder wanting to be a part of a great team and earn some respect.<br>
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18.) ¿What did surprise you the most of your career?<br>
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—How fast I could adapt myself to different levels of play. When i arrived at Kinder, for instance, i had a lot of doubts, and it was incredible how fast i've transformed in an important player.<br>
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19) ¿What is it that make you overcome every challenge you've encountered? ¿What do you value more, your game or your mentality?<br>
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—Both. Luckly i have both things. I've seen players with a lot of talent but no head, and the other way around. If i had to choose, i'd put my game first, but i know that to succeed in the NBA i'll need my mind a lot more.<br>
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20) You are an NBA player. ¿What do you feel?<br>
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—I shiver from time to time, this is really big for us. I was a fan when i was a kid... Nevertheless, I don't feel like an NBA player yet. I don't think i'll feel it until i get in and show i can play. I don't want to go there just to be there. Two years ago i could have entered the league to play very few minutes, like many others, but i'm planning on being an important player.<br>
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21) ¿What do you feel when you look at the challenge ahead?<br>
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—A lot of confidence, but uncertanty too. I don't know how i'm going to feel in San Antonio, whether they'll have as much confidence in me as it is said, whether i'm going to be able to respond the way i think i can. I think i can do it, but i still have some doubts.<br>
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22) ¿Will it be easier to succeed in the NBA than in Europe?<br>
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—To be a NBA player is a lot easier than succeed in Europe. Success in the NBA is a different thing. It doesn't only depend on being on the right team at the right moment. It depends on yourself.<br>
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23) ¿What surprised you about your stay in San Antonio?<br>
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—The change is pretty big. The organization, the way to do things... They pick you up right on the plane without having to get the luggage. Everything to make the player feel comfortable. You can't imagine what the training facility is like...Nevermind the Alamadome. It is another world.<br>
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24) ¿Have you picked your jersey number?<br>
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—No, I like both 20 and 7.<br>
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25) In your birthday, we suggest No. 25. ¿Like it?<br>
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—Well, maybe, maybe...
<p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub61.ezboard.com/ujfpancho.showPublicProfile?language=EN>jfpancho</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.ggwo.org/flags/argentina.gif" BORDER=0> at: 7/29/02 12:44:12 pm<br></i>
