France and Serbia Clinch Victory in Preparation Match for Paris Games
France and Serbia squared off in a preparation match ahead of the upcoming Paris Games, with both teams showcasing their skills in a thrilling contest. In the end, Serbia emerged victorious, winning the game 67-79.
The match saw a personal showdown between Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama, with Jokic dominating the competition, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while also registering 14 assists and 10 blocks.
The focus of the match, however, lay not with the outcome, but with a ceremony to retire Tony Parker’s iconic number 9 jersey. This marked a historic moment for French basketball, as it is the first time a team has retired a number in the history of the sport.
Nikola Jokic, Serbia’s star player, led the ceremony, presenting Parker with a personalized shirt and ascended the jersey to the Olympus of French basketball, where it will forever hang alongside the greatest legends of the game.
Tony Parker’s Legacy
Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion and MVP, is a name synonymous with French basketball. He holds a special place in the hearts of fans and has given the sport a global platform.
During his career, Parker won numerous medals, including a gold medal at the 2013 Eurobasket, and has made a lasting impact on the sport. At the ceremony, he spoke emotionally, "There are a lot of emotions and a lot of love. It is never easy when it is the first time in history…I really fell in love with this shirt."
The ceremony was attended by legends of French basketball, including Nicolas Batum and Boris Diaw, who praised Parker’s incredible career.