-By Yann Ohnona
After his dream season with Zalgiris Kaunas (16.5 points at 38.6% from three-point range, 6.6 assists in the EuroLeague), Sylvain Francisco had plenty of options regarding his future. At the peak of his career at 28 years old, the French point guard (1.79 m, 34 caps), currently with the national team for their international window, continued to dream of the NBA.
He confirmed this Saturday noon in Orléans, where the French team will host Serbia on Sunday (6 PM) in a friendly match, that the American dream has come to an abrupt end. Just like his signing with Asvel, where he was supposed to lead an ambitious project that ultimately scaled back, prompting the Parisian to return to the market. Panathinaikos seized the opportunity.
Express passage to Asvel
"It was not up to me to deal with this situation."(with Asvel), explains Francisco.So I let my agents handle that more. It was a bit tough, let's say. When the DNCG comes and they're strict like that, it's difficult. The project that was in place with Asvel was very interesting. With the team we would have had.(Nick Weiler-Babb, Armoni Brooks, Daniel Theis...)"We could have done something from the first year to then become a big, renowned team, capable of making the playoffs and the Final Four of the EuroLeague."
"When we found out that Asvel was going to take time to finalize its budget, I told my agents: 'we need to leave.'"does he continue.I think we had a good talk with Tony, he was clear about it. He worked a lot, wanted to be thorough, but there are certain things you can't control. The processtook a little more time, and I told myself it was time to leave."
A canceled NBA project
"Yes, in the NBA, there have been openings, at least five or six teams, many on guaranteed two-year contracts,"recalls the French international.I had the opportunity with the Chicago Bulls, but the trade they wanted to make earlier got stalled because in the NBA, everyone was waiting for LeBron's decision.James.Well, my deadline was until July 20th.(to activate his release clause from Asvel)"And LeBron signed... four days later."
"So, that's where all the teams really started transferring players, making more trades. It's a shame,"admits the leader.I was a bit annoyed, let's say irritated. But it's something I have no control over. In the end, it might be a blessing in disguise. I'm staying in Europe.
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