Parker calls Gilas ‘dangerous’

MANILA, Philippines – Four-time NBA champion Tony Parker tried to be careful with his words when asked how he felt about his French team facing Gilas Pilipinas in tomorrow’s opening day of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Parker, a first-timer on Philippine soil, is looking forward to the game highly awaited by basketball-crazy Filipinos.

“Tuesday is going to be a very big game,” said the 34-year-old superstar who faced the press yesterday noon at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

Peak, a fast-growing active sports brand in Asia, made yesterday’s event possible. Parker wears the Peak brand on and off the court.

Gilas, according to the 15-year mainstay of the San Antonio Spurs, cannot be taken lightly.

“They’re very dangerous,” said Parker during a backstage interview.

Called back on stage, facing the packed Davao room of Sofitel, Parker gave no special mention of the Philippine team, seeking its first Olympics stint in 44 years.

“We respect everybody,” said the 6-foot-2 point-guard.

The French team, known as Les Bleus, is the heavy favorite in the five-day OQT event that offers a lone slot to the Rio Olympics in August.

The stakes are high not just for France, the reigning EuroBasket champion, and the other contenders, including New Zealand, Turkey, Canada, Senegal and Gilas Pilipinas.

In Group A are Turkey, Senegal and Canada, and in Group B France, New Zealand and the host team. The top two teams in each group advance to the cross-over semis on Saturday.

France won the FIBA EuroBasket crown in 2013. It’s a first in Les Bleus’ history, and Parker said getting to Rio for the Summer Games is a must.

“We have a new goal, new challenges and it starts against the Philippines,” said Parker.

He arrived in Manila a few nights ago with the rest of the French team, his father Tony Sr. and a brother. Tony Sr. also played professional basketball.

Moving around town, to and from the hotel and the MOA Arena for practice, Parker said he’d seen things that should make this trip memorable.

“It’s a great pleasure to be here. It’s my first time here. The people are very friendly. So far, so good,” he said.

Walking into the room, Parker pulled out his mobile phone and took selfies. He greeted everyone who stood in front of him.

Parker was presented a scale model of the famous Philippine jeepney.

“Thanks for having me here,” said Parker, adding that he came here to enjoy the visit and at the same time lead his team to the Olympics.

“That’s the main thing,” he said on stage.

“We have to qualify and that’s the most important thing for me,” added Parker, who’s in his last tournament for the Les Bleus.

“For me it’s my last one. It’s my last time playing with the national team that’s why I’m trying to enjoy every moment, having an unbelievable career with the French team.

“And hopefully I can finish in a great mode and qualify for Rio and hopefully finish the right way,” said Parker.

He’s here to entertain and book a ticket to Rio.

“I hope to see you more in the next 10 days and I hope we (Les Bleus) win the tournament,” he said.

Even if it means breaking the hearts of the Filipino fans.

“I understand. I understand,” he said.