Tony Parker preparing for the homestretch
AT 34 YEARS old, French national team and San Antonio Spurs star guard Tony Parker knows that his illustrious basketball career is now entering the homestretch, which is why he is making the most out of it and is bent on finishing things on a high.
Currently in town as part of Team France competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament which begins today, Mr. Parker said that he hopes to end his international career by leading his team to the Olympics and vie for gold.
“For me, it is my last one playing for the national team. I’ve been enjoying every moment of it and hopefully it ends up on high note and us qualifying for the Rio Olympics,” said the Spurs All- Star during the press conference organized for him by his shoe sponsor Peak on Sunday.
“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 my international career was coming to a close,” he added.
Being the highest seed among the competing teams here in Manila, that include Turkey, New Zealand, Canada, the Philippines and Senegal, Mr. Parker said they are the favorites and have to deal with the pressure that goes with it. But he underscored that they have in them to handle such expectations.
“It’s always about the pressure since I’ve been with the national team. We are here for the qualifiers. Everybody says it’s going to be a tough tournament but we’ll just take it one game at a time and stay focused and go for the win,” Mr. Parker said.
He went on to say that after his stint with the national team, he will focus on his National Basketball Association where he has been a four- time champion, all with the Spurs.
“I want to play another four or five years in the NBA. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the Spurs. I feel blessed playing for a great team and organization,” said the 15-year NBA veteran just as he said that he is looking forward to another solid year for them come next season where they can hopefully compete for another title.
Part of preparing as well for the homestretch, Mr. Parker said, is “nourishing” the partnerships he has made throughout his career, including his tie- up with Peak which began in 2013.
“With Peak it has been a great relationship. We are like family. They treat me well, treat my family well and I am very proud to be with Peak. They make great shoes and improve every year. And it has been a great experience. I am blessed to be with them and I am happy to have extended my partnership with them for another five years,” he said.
“Tony Parker has been a great product endorser for us. His line of shoes is one of the best-sellers for Peak in the Philippines and he represents the product very well,” said Juanito Gervacio, chief executive officer of Pro Star Sports Phils, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Peak in the country, in an interview with BusinessWorld.
Mr. Parker and France take on Gilas Pilipinas today at 9 p. m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.