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12 Teams Set For 2016 Olympics; 12 Storylines To Watch For In Rio

By Matthew Medley

Tony Parker playing for France to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images)
Tony Parker playing for France to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics (Photo by Frederic Stevens/Getty Images) /
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 21: Boris Diaw #13 of France is at the free throw line during the International Friendly game between France v Serbia at AccorHotels Arena on June 21, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 21: Boris Diaw #13 of France is at the free throw line during the International Friendly game between France v Serbia at AccorHotels Arena on June 21, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /

1. France: Tony Parker and Boris Diaw’s Last Hurrah

France made it through the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, sweeping through the Philippines, New Zealand and Turkey before finally defeating Canada in the tournament final.

Guard Nando De Colo, a 29-year-old, was named MVP of the tournament, averaging 17.2 points over the four games.

However, it was an epic performance from Tony Parker that carried the team in the tournament final, ensuring that France would have a spot in Rio.

Parker scored 27 points in the tournament final against Canada and at the age of 34, this will be the long-time San Antonio Spurs point guard’s last time representing his country in international play.

It was clear in that championship game against Canada that Parker would not let his team fall short of reaching the Olympics, as he scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.

It’s worth noting that the quarters in international play are only 10 minutes, making Parker’s performance even more impressive.

Parker is not the only French player making his last appearance in international play, as his former teammate, Boris Diaw, will also play for Team France.

Diaw was recently traded to the Utah Jazz, but all that matters right now is in front of him in Brazil. Although he is 34, he will still be expected to make significant contributions for France in its quest for the gold medal.

Other notable NBA players on France’s roster include Nicolas Batum, who is coming off an impressive 2015-16 with the Charlotte Hornets, and Joffrey Lauvergne, who put in a solid second season with the Denver Nuggets.

The whole team will be looking to give a storybook ending to their two stars, Parker and Diaw, who have done so much for French basketball over the years.

Their roster is stacked enough (ranked No. 5 in the world by FIBA) that they will certainly be in the hunt for a medal.

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