12/21/24
September 16, 2003
Tony Parker through with the French NT?: We discussed the notion of Steve Nash stepping down from the Canadian NT. But that was a seperate issue. Nash has played for his country in numerous tournaments. Parker is younger, and could stand to participate in more NT tournaments. What does this mean for the French NT?
More inside...
Very similiar story - Parker is very important to that team, and could benefit from the international competition. What kind of French name is Tony Parker, anyway? Oh wait - he's Belgian. Uh, did I miss something?
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:11 AM on September 17, 2003
This is such a strange conflict. If I were a Spurs fan, I'd be cheering my ass off right now that a major up and comer has less of a chance of suffering a season or career ending injury while not playing for my team. At the same time, the collective "we" have given Shaq shit before for not playing for the US National team (something I disagreed with, but I understand the POV). I think it's great for the country when a good, young player can carry the team and become a national 'hero" a la Steve Nash, but I don't think it's necessary. The fact that Basketball is a minor sport in France probably doesn't hurt things too much either, although I'll admit I had forgotten that they medalled in Sydney.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:25 AM on September 17, 2003
My biggest pet peeve ever - 'medal' is now a verb. And 'Yardage' is now in the lexicon - despite it being completely unnecessary. And it's Sher-BET, or Sore-bay - but not, NOT Sher-BERT. When we're not lazy, we're trying to sound smarter than we actually are. Makes me SICK. This is no way shape or form is directed at you Ufez. OK - On topic - no one is obligated to play for their nation, but it's pretty much the only place left where a win seems like something more than just your job.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:34 AM on September 17, 2003
sherbeRt drives me nuts.
posted by garfield at 10:36 AM on September 17, 2003
Heh, no sweat, weedy. I only used "medalled" b/c I read which medal they had won in Sydney but promptly forgotten (short term memory loss, eh?) and was too lazy to open the article again and look. I'm with you on the Sherbet though.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:45 AM on September 17, 2003
SportsFilter: Eradicating Sherbert wherever we find him!
posted by billsaysthis at 05:01 PM on September 17, 2003
Marc Spears does a write up on Tony & the French Squad. I disagree slightly with the notion that Tony is a better leader after this experience. I don't mind that he called out the rest of the team, but to call him the heart of French basketball after he threatens to leave the NT? I don't know.
posted by lilnemo at 05:26 PM on September 17, 2003
As we discussed before, Nash has done more than anyone could ask for Canadian Basketball getting them into the Olympics, and helping them actually compete against world powers like the US and Yugoslavia. Parker has yet to push France into the upper echelon of NT basketball. And now he's ready to throw in the towel? How does his departure possibly help French basketball? If there are a few bad seeds on this year's squad how does extracting their star player help anything? Personally, I think Tony is talking out of his ass. Abdul-Wahad however, may not. Not medaling when you expect to will leave a bad taste in your mouth I'm sure. I just don't think leaving your country in the lurch (or even threatening to) is the answer.