July 3, 2016
Countdown to Manila OQT: 2 days
Four-time NBA champion and French national basketball team veteran Tony Parker confirmed on Sunday that the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, Philippines will be his last shot at another appearance in the Olympic Games.
Parker, 34, said during a press conference for shoe sponsor Peak that this year will be his last year playing for France.
“For me, it is my last one, it is my last time playing for the national team. I’ve been enjoying every moment, and hopefully, I can finish it on a great note and qualify for Rio,” Parker said.
Parker added that he he had felt as early as the 2013 FIBA EuroBasket Championship, which France won, that his career with the national team would soon end.
“I knew the last two years, we won the gold medal in 2013, it was the first time we won the European championship, I knew at that time I was going to come close,” the San Antonio Spurs point guard said.
Parker was part of France’s 2012 London Olympics squad which finished sixth. He was also part of the 2013 FIBA EuroBasket-winning roster, which eventually led to a EuroBasket MVP award.
The point guard, who had been selected 28th overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, said he is grateful for all the opportunities he’s had with the national team and the NBA.
“I always have two families. In the NBA, the Spurs family, and in the summer, the French team family. It’s two different teams but it brings different joys. I’ve been very successful with both of them,” Parker said.
Parker plans to play for another four to five years in the NBA and try to win another ring.
“I hope we win a championship. It’s the same goal every year. I trust coach Pop (Gregg Popovich) and (the staff) to improve our team and get better next year,” the 34-year-old shared. “I hope we win a championship. It’s the same goal every year. I trust coach Pop and to improve our team and get better next year.”
The 2007 NBA Finals MVP also had good words for the Philippines, saying he is enjoying the visit so far even if the first few days came with battling jet lag.
“It is a great experience so far. We are enjoying our time. I can’t wait to enjoy the whole city,” he said.
Ultimately, Parker wants to end his tour of duty with the French national team “the right way.”
“We are here for the qualifiers,” he said. “Hopefully, we can qualify for the Olympics and end my French career the right way. There is always a lot of pressure. We respect everybody.”
“It is going to be a tough tournament. A lot of great teams. We just have to take it one game at a time and stay focused and try to go all the way.”
France are in Group B of the Manila OQT. The European powerhouse will battle Gilas Pilipinas on July 5 and New Zealand on July 7.
