 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
- Manu played in the Italian All-Star Game three times.
- Manu was named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2002 World Championships. The others were Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, Peja Stojakovich and Pero Cameron.
- Manu made NBA All-Rookie Second Team for the 2002-03 season. In 69 games, he averaged 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.39 steals.
- In 2003, Manu became the first Argentine ever to play in the NBA Finals. He led the series in steals with 13.
- Manu scored a career-high 48 points in a 128-123 victory over the Suns in January of 2005. His signature moment came when he dunked over Phoenix All-Star Amare Stoudamire.
- Manu became an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2005.
- Manu’s nicknames are One and Neo, both references to the title character in “The Matrix.” He’s also known as Gino and Narigon.
- Manu has his own web site, www.manuginobili.com.
- Kidnapping is an ever-present threat in Argentina, where gangs try to cash in on the success of famous athletes like Manu. He has thought about moving his family to the U.S., but his parents have no desire to leave their home.
- Argentina’s hoops title at the 2004 Summer Games was the country’s first gold since 1952.
- The gym in which Manu grew up playing basketball is now named after him (Estadio Manu Ginobili).
- Manu’s two favorite movies are The Sixth Sense and Forrest Gump.
- Manu also loves soccer. His all-time favorite player is countryman Diego Maradona.
- During Manu’s rookie season with the Spurs, Frito Lay held an essay contest for San Antonio grade schoolers. The winner of “Manu Ginobili Wants to Know” was third grader Scotty Davis, who penned a story in which he and Manu share a bus ride around the city.
- Manu married Marianela Orono during the summer of 2002. They tried to have a small, private ceremony, but when the media got wind of the location, they showed up en force and turned it into a circus.
Yao Ming, 2003 Topps
Diego Maradona,
1986 World Cup Wonders