Manu Ginobili: Rise and Fall with the Argentinian National Squad

2002 FIBA World Championships

A 25-year-old Manu Ginobili played at Small Guard. — A 25-year-old Manu Ginobili played at the Small Guard position.

The 2002 FIBA World Championship was the 14th FIBA World Championship and was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.

The starting lineup of the USA squad in this tournament consisted of NBA superstars such as Paul Pierce, Reggie Miller, Antonio Davis, Ben Wallace & Andre Miller. But instead, Team USA’s 58-game international winning streak was snapped in the octofinals where a 25-year old soon-to-be San Antonio Spur named Manu Ginobili led his Argentine squad to an 87-80 upset in the group stage of the tournament.

Though Argentina lost to Yugoslavia 84-77 in the Finals(Dirk Nowitzki was awarded the MVP trophy), they had announced their arrival on the world basketball stage. "They put on a clinic," Team USA Coach George Karl said after the game. It was clear that Team USA had been embarrassed.