The World Cup kicks off Friday, arguably the event of all events when it comes to the sports world - the sports world that reaches beyond us in the United States.
The question that comes up every time a big-time international soccer event - especially the Cup - is about to start is about the growth of the sport in the United States. The answer is usually the same: growth, but we're still not even close to the rest of the world.
I've got a question that goes in the other direction. Shall I call the reversal the Dream Team effect?
When the United States had to settle for a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympic Games it became a national tragedy. We heard about how the world was catching up to the U.S. in basketball. Since then, we've again proved ourselves. But complacency in basketball is unwise on the national stage.
So, which is moving faster: the U.S. in soccer prowess or the world in hoops prowess. I think it's an obvious answer. Basketball is growing at a faster pace all over the world than soccer is growing in the U.S. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It just tells us something about ourselves and who we are.
We are the world leader in basketball. American basketball players are all over the world and are often treated like royalty. And there now are many great players from all over the world in the NBA. It shows the health of the sport. It only makes it better.
Such is the same in the soccer world. The growth in the U.S. may not get to where the some want it to be, but it is relevant and shows the importance of the sport.
I've never been a soccer fan. But I've always respected it. I've always loved basketball. But these two sports have a lot in common.
Both are sports that you can play for many years, even if you are not a pro. Both are sports people all over the globe care about. And both are taken very seriously on a global level.
I'll be rooting for the U.S. even if I don't tune in for many games. But it's a great event and the growth of sports across the globe only makes them better.
You've got to love Steve Nash. He gives us the best of both worlds.
Let the games begin!
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