FORMER San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker has thrown his support behind Victor Wembanyama’s appointment as the new captain of the French national basketball team, calling it the right decision for the country’s program.
Parker, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest basketball players, believes the San Antonio Spurs big man is ready to take on the leadership role despite his young age.
“I think it’s a great decision. Great decision from the coach,” Parker said in an interview with Anton Roxas of Bilyonaryo News Channel’s The Scorecard.
The four-time NBA champion said there was little reason to delay Wembanyama’s elevation, pointing to the 22-year-old’s status as the centerpiece of France’s national team for years to come.
“Why wait? He’s our franchise and he’s going to be the cornerstone for the next 10, 15 years with the national team. So I’m super happy,” Parker said.
Wembanyama has already established himself as one of the NBA’s biggest young stars, and Parker was particularly impressed by what he accomplished with the Spurs.
“He had an unbelievable season with the Spurs, brought them all the way to the NBA Finals at 22 years old. That’s really, really hard to do,” Parker said.
Parker acknowledged that Wembanyama will now face increased expectations with France, but believes the young superstar is capable of handling the responsibility.
“With the national team, obviously a lot of expectation. And so I thought it was a great decision,” he said.
Wembanyama’s appointment signals a new era for French basketball, with the towering Spurs star expected to become the central figure of the national program following Parker’s generation. (Adrian Co)
The post NBA legend Tony Parker welcomes Victor Wembanyama as France’s new team captain first appeared on Fastbreak.
0 comments: