-By David Loriot
He has already tended to the wounds of the summer. This Friday, during the back-to-school press conference, Tony Parker appeared calm."Compared to what happened (*), we managed to bounce back well, build a coherent and competitive team in the EuroLeague and Betclic. The group is doing well, working hard, and the mindset is impressive.", stated the boss as a preamble, before leading his first match in charge of Asvel this Friday evening in Roanne, in a friendly against Élan Pau-Lacq-Orthez.
It is no mystery: Asvel, owned primarily by TP since 2014, is undergoing significant changes. Behind the scenes, negotiations are underway with the Buss family for a takeover that would take the Old Lady of the Rhône to another level on the brink of NBA Europe."The most important thing for me is that we are here for the next 15-20 years."",Parker poster.
(*) The National Directorate of Advisory and Management Control (DNCCG) forced Asvel to revise its budget downwards (from €59M to €24M).
In the meantime, the showcase needs to shine. And quickly.."At Betclic, we want to compete for the title. It's been a long time since Asvel won any trophies.", asserts the four-time NBA champion. Behind this summer of"deconstruction-reconstruction"Villeurbanne starts from afar. During the first friendly match in Saint-Chamond last week, coached by Vincent Collet, there were only three professional players. This Friday evening, on the roster, only one experienced and available interior player was listed: Joel Bolomboy. And Jae Crowder and Tyty Washington are only arriving in Lyon this weekend. TP will therefore have to wait until... next Wednesday to lead his first full training session.
Vincent Collet, offensive coordinator of Asvel
"The first thing that convinced me was the desire to get back on the field with an exciting project. It's also an opportunity to focus on sharing knowledge, both with Tony and the entire staff."
This Friday, however, there were many people in the center circle to listen to Parker's English session launch briefing: exactly 31 people, including pro players, youngsters, and staff members! Even Collet, who joined this summer to support Parker in an official role as an offensive coordinator that likely doesn't fully reflect his actual influence, had never seen anything like it."Just by saying hello, you've already warmed up.he slipped in a joke, before becoming animated at the idea of living such an adventure.
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"The first thing that convinced me was the desire to get back on the field with an exciting project. It's also an opportunity to share knowledge, both with Tony and the entire staff."Without feeling too confined in the suit."Clearly, I am in the second line, Tony in the first. The only thing that matters to me is having a real role, being able to help with my qualities. It's very clear in my mind. There is no frustration whatsoever."assures the former coach of the Blues (2009-2024).
Hugo Besson, guard of Asvel
"In the French Championship, the goal is to win everything! We have the squad for it."
Patty Mills also seemed good, sinking three-pointers off the boards at the end of the session. The seven years of shared experience with Parker at the Spurs can lead to great things at ASVEL, the 38-year-old Australian is convinced."We share the same vision of the game, how to build a culture, how to lay strong foundations for the club's success. I can't wait to experience that here."Back in France after two seasons in Turkey, Hugo Besson, the former Metropolitans player, also had victory in his words."In the French Championship, the goal is to win everything! We have the squad for it."
Two weeks away from facing his brother TJ in the Super Cup,In a first official match, like a touching nod to destiny, Tony Parker is still far from having assembled all the pieces of the puzzle.
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