Frenchise player
02-10-2006, 06:20 AM
February 10, 2005
« Such an honor »
Tony, it is official, you will participate in the All Star Game in Houston on February 19.
It is such an honor. I understood that I did something big when I talked to my little brother Pierre on the phone. He could not stop screaming. As for my dad, he could not contain his tears. He was crying. When I see how my family and friends reacted, I sincerely realized that this All Star Game selection is important. Everyone is excited. Frankly, it is an extremely strong feeling. It is difficult to get a spot in the game. You know that a lot of player deserve to go while the coaches make the decisions, it is simply fabulous.
What was your reaction to the news ?
It was my agent, Mark Fleisher, who told me the news prior to the Toronto game on Wednesday. I did not express my joy, was inside me. I was happy and proud. It is a dream comes true. Since I play in the NBA, my objective was to participate one day in the All Star Game. I have had many successes with the Spurs with the two NBA Champion titles, but nothing on the personal side. This All Star Game was the ultimate goal. I was a bit disappointed last year not to be selected to this basketball feast especially since Tim (Duncan), Manu (Ginobili) and the Spurs staff were there. This absence was a great source of motivation for me this year.
Another objective set. Following the 2001 draft, a starter after five games, and two NBA rings, you are now considerate amongst the best player in the NBA.
I could not have imagined a better road. This is beyond my expectation and hopes. I have always put objectives in front of me but to reach them in less than five years is a bit crazy. I am on cloud 9. I will continue to dream until the end of my career and take advantage of it to the fullest. Once again, once this is all done I will be able to look back upon what I did.
You did everything to participate in this game. As you repeated on numerous occasions since the beginning of the season, you were on a mission.
I wanted to be recognized through my performances, to show that I could be an All Star. It was important for me to reach this status as it has been two seasons that I was averaging 15 points and 5 assists. It is now done, and I am very grateful for the coaches decisions.
How far do you want to go ?
I must fix myself new objectives when my head will be clear. What is certain is that you must be hungry to move forward and at 23 and I am still hungry. My only limit is the injury but I need not to think about it. Now that I am amongst the best players in the league, I can ask myself the following question: do I want to move higher and become the best point guard in the NBA ? By working hard and keeping this mentality, everything can happen.
You have celebrated your All star Game selection with style by scoring 32 points and distributing 13 assists against Toronto…
I have no choice but to confirm my new status. Now I know that all the guards while be running after me to prove something. I have applied myself throughout this game to play well and carry the team especially since we were without Tim Duncan. It was important to play a big game in his absence.
« Such an honor »
Tony, it is official, you will participate in the All Star Game in Houston on February 19.
It is such an honor. I understood that I did something big when I talked to my little brother Pierre on the phone. He could not stop screaming. As for my dad, he could not contain his tears. He was crying. When I see how my family and friends reacted, I sincerely realized that this All Star Game selection is important. Everyone is excited. Frankly, it is an extremely strong feeling. It is difficult to get a spot in the game. You know that a lot of player deserve to go while the coaches make the decisions, it is simply fabulous.
What was your reaction to the news ?
It was my agent, Mark Fleisher, who told me the news prior to the Toronto game on Wednesday. I did not express my joy, was inside me. I was happy and proud. It is a dream comes true. Since I play in the NBA, my objective was to participate one day in the All Star Game. I have had many successes with the Spurs with the two NBA Champion titles, but nothing on the personal side. This All Star Game was the ultimate goal. I was a bit disappointed last year not to be selected to this basketball feast especially since Tim (Duncan), Manu (Ginobili) and the Spurs staff were there. This absence was a great source of motivation for me this year.
Another objective set. Following the 2001 draft, a starter after five games, and two NBA rings, you are now considerate amongst the best player in the NBA.
I could not have imagined a better road. This is beyond my expectation and hopes. I have always put objectives in front of me but to reach them in less than five years is a bit crazy. I am on cloud 9. I will continue to dream until the end of my career and take advantage of it to the fullest. Once again, once this is all done I will be able to look back upon what I did.
You did everything to participate in this game. As you repeated on numerous occasions since the beginning of the season, you were on a mission.
I wanted to be recognized through my performances, to show that I could be an All Star. It was important for me to reach this status as it has been two seasons that I was averaging 15 points and 5 assists. It is now done, and I am very grateful for the coaches decisions.
How far do you want to go ?
I must fix myself new objectives when my head will be clear. What is certain is that you must be hungry to move forward and at 23 and I am still hungry. My only limit is the injury but I need not to think about it. Now that I am amongst the best players in the league, I can ask myself the following question: do I want to move higher and become the best point guard in the NBA ? By working hard and keeping this mentality, everything can happen.
You have celebrated your All star Game selection with style by scoring 32 points and distributing 13 assists against Toronto…
I have no choice but to confirm my new status. Now I know that all the guards while be running after me to prove something. I have applied myself throughout this game to play well and carry the team especially since we were without Tim Duncan. It was important to play a big game in his absence.