SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Tony Parker and the France national basketball team accomplished their mission in the Philippines by winning the FIBA Manila Olympic Qualifying Tournament and claiming one of the 3 remaining tickets to the 2016 Rio Olympics on Sunday, July 10.
Led by a vintage fourth quarter performance by Parker, who finished with 26 points, France defeated Canada, 83-74, in the final, and leaves Manila after going undefeated at 4-0.
(IN PHOTOS: France defeats Canada to earn Olympic berth)
Following the championship celebration on mid-court at the Mall of Asia Arena, the 34-year-old Parker told the media that he plans to come back to the Philippines next year as part of a tour with Peak, the shoe apparel brand that sponsors him.
“Of course I’m going to come back, of course,” a pleased Parker said in the midst of screaming fans overhead. “My sponsor is Peak, so we’re going to do a tour here next summer and I’ll definitely be back.”
The San Antonio Spurs point guard also looked taken away by the reception he and the French national team received while in Manila.
“Unbelievable, unbelievable. Philippines, it was unbelievable the way they welcomed us,” said Parker, who made his first public appearance last Sunday in a press conference organized by Peak.
“People are very friendly as [basketball is] the number one sport here. They showed me a lot of love. It felt like I’m a rockstar here in the Philippines. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable.
On the winning the championship, Parker also called it an “Unbelievable feeling.
“I’m very happy for my country that we’re going to the Olympics. It was our goal, and it was a great game tonight and I’m happy that we won.” – Rappler.com
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