With France’s National team getting ready to start Eurobasket 2011 in Lithuania for a chance to nab a 2012 Olympic bid for the games in London next year, France’s head coach elected to bring in a returning backup point guard behind San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker.
Antoine Diot is a 6’4 point guard who played very well backing up Parker in Eurobasket 2009. He felt that opportunity to play alongside Parker really helped and he’s looking to learn more next month from Parker.
When it comes to Parker, Diot says: “Tony took me under his wing.
“We really communicated, and not only technically, he also guided me on the mental level…”
Diot averaged 5.1 points per game and 1 assist per game two years ago for France in Eurobasket. Parker is a great teacher and role model for the young Diot. Parker is a three-time NBA champion and has one NBA Finals MVP award.
Parker has also made several All-Star team selections in the NBA. Parker also came into the NBA at a young age with the Spurs and though he had his early struggles, he’s a corner stone for San Antonio’s famous “Big Three.”
(Photo: BallinEurope.com)
