San Antonio Spurs guard Nando De Colo has had a busy summer this year by following an extended run to the NBA Finals with even more big time basketball with the French National team at EuroBasket 2013.
Team France is now in the midst of EuroBasket play in Slovenia, and playing well enough to earn their way to a second round berth.
Coming off of his freshman season that consisted of several DNPs and mostly spotty minutes, his return to the France national team required the 26-year old guard to adjust back to that of a regular rotation player.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Nando talked about many things, including how he is preparing now for his sophomore year with the San Antonio Spurs.
"I've done a lot of weightlifting, to work on my body. Even today, we had a day off, but I was in the gym this morning because I know I must be preparing for next season, even when I'm with the national team."
Given that we already know that Nando benefits from playing with fellow Spurs' Tony Parker and Boris Diaw on the French national team, it's good for Spurs fans to hear that Nando is preparing for a new Spurs season off the court as well. Adding some strength this summer along with getting even more pro experience could possibly pay off with increased playing time in the coming season for the Spurs.
And it seemed he needed time on the court after his rookie season according to Team France's head coach Vincent Collet.
"We discovered that in the first game, six weeks ago, that he needed to play," said France coach Vincent Collet. "It was obvious after this season."
So, what are your thoughts Spurs fans? Do you think the Spurs will benefit from Nando getting all the extra court time with France this summer? And what are your thoughts on Nando working on strength training? If he indeed is used more off the ball this year as Spurs GM R.C. Buford indicated in an earlier interview, could some extra muscle help his game?
