The Real Three Kings

It has only been a couple of days and already the media is heralding the arrival of NBA championships to Miami thanks to the envisioned but not guaranteed greatness of the 'Three Kings'--Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. I don't know why, but we have this annoying propensity to create nicknames and to declare champions before a particular player or team has even played a game. The US media is so transfixed on Lebron-omania that they have disregarded some of the other exciting things that are going on in the world. They need only look to South Africa to see the real "Three Kings" in action. Spain's Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and David Villa have formed, and more importantly performed, as some of the top players in the tournament. Xavi leads the tournament in passes that led to shots on goal (25), Iniesta works the midfield and looks to hook up a pass to hitman David Villa to score a goal. Villa leads the tournament with 5 goals in 7 matches, which is incredible. Yet, there is no discussion about the second coming of a dream team. In fact, what I have enjoyed watching is seeing how the fans embrace their athletes with chants of affection (they sing "Illa, Illa, Illa Villa Maravilla).Check this out at David Villa Maravilla. The big differences is in the US, Lebron generates and dictates his celebrity, even through the media; in Spain, the fans embrace their athletes wholeheartedly. And they didn't even need someone to organize a media frenzy around a decision.

So, Chris, Dwayne, Lebron, take a back seat. You have done nothing yet. Look to South Africa and you will see a fine regal example of excellence and class.