Tony Parker. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
FRANCE produced a performance to remember to capture the only Olympic berth at stake in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament before a crowd of 13,000 last Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
But the Filipino crowd also left their mark on Les Bleus, who easily became the fans’ favorites after Gilas Pilipinas was eliminated early in the tournament.
French guard Tony Parker said he will leave Manila with fond memories, not just of France’s 83-74 win over Canada in the finals, but the reception their team received from the Filipino fans throughout the tournament.
“I feel like I’m a rock star in the Philippines. It’s unbelievable,” said Parker on his way to the team bus past midnight Monday.
Parker and several members of the French team like Nicolas Batum obliged photograph and autograph requests from hundreds of fans who waited for them outside the venue.
“Unbelievable. Philippines, it was an unbelievable the way they welcomed us. Very friendly,” said Parker. “It’s the number one sport here and they showed a lot of love.” Cedelf P. Tupas