« I’m happy for the French Team »

To prepare the coming season with the Spurs, Tony has spent the last month in Los Angeles. He tells us about the first games of the French Team.

Tony, what’s your impression on the first two wins of France vs Spain and Lebanon at the World Championship ?
I am thrilled for them. I watched the games this weekend. The team made two great performances. The win over Spain started the competition the best way it could be. I think Spain didn’t take it seriously. And we proved we were in. Against Lebanon, France played seriously during the whole game. Now we have to keep on playing this way and win Canada to assure our qualification.

What can you tell us about Andrew Albicy ?
I’ve never seen him play before. I saw him for the first time against Spain when he substituted to Nando (De Colo) who was in difficulty. I was happily surprised like a lot of people. In spite of his lack of experience at this level, he stayed cool. He did a great job.

How’s your preparation doing ?
Since August 1st, I’m in Los Angeles. I practice 3hrs a day and I scrupulously follow the Spurs program. From 9 to 10.30 I practice shooting with Chip Engelland. He hired a 6.11 player to force me practice rainbow shots. Chip is away this week and Jacque Vaughn stood in for him. He joined the Spurs staff this summer. It’s gonna be nice to work with my former teammate. Anyway, I was lucky to play with different players this month like Mike Dunleavy Junior, DeJuan Blair or Brent Barry. It was very rewarding.

After a month of hard work, did you improve ?
When you shoot a hundred times a day during a month you obviously improve. At least that ‘s how I feel. Besides basketball, I do physical training from 10.30 to 12.00. The Spurs physical trainer makes all my body work. It’s an exhausting work out but very nice though. It’s the first time since I started NBA that I work so hard in the summertime. But all the NBA players who want to improve and come back even better every season go through this.

When will you stop ?
We stop on September 17th since I’ll be in France the day after. I’m going to my brothers’ games Pierre (on the 18th in Cergy) and Terrence (on the 25th in Orchies). Besides, I’ll attend a charity dinner with Eva (« Par cœur » Gala on September 20th) and some various sponsor operations. Of course, I’ll spend some time in Lyon. I’ll be there on Thursday 23rd and leave on Saturday morning. So I‘ll be at the home game of the Euroleague Qualifying round. And then I’ll go back to San Antonio to start practice on September 29th.