GREAT news for basketball fans. Not so good for Gilas Pilipinas.
NBA superstar Tony Parker has confirmed that he will suit up for the French national team in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila this July.
The four-time NBA champion announced his commitment to play for his native France via Twitter after receiving the nod from his wife, Axelle Francine, who is due to give birth to their second son in July.
“It was a decision which had to be taken together,” Parker told L’Equipe. “She knows how important this is for me. We evaluated all possibilities and I’ve made my decision. I said, “I’m going.”
In 2015, the veteran point guard of the San Antonio Spurs cemented his reputation as one of the world's best international players after he became the all-time leading scorer in EuroBasket history.
Parker will be motivated in leading France to the Rio Olympics after a third place finish in last year’s European tournament.
"In making my choice, my goal is to live as best as possible these two great moments - to be there for the birth of my son, qualify France for the Olympics and end my career with France's team with a beautiful Olympic medal which I can show my sons, Josh and Liam."
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