Tony Parker touches on Zaccharie Risacher's departure, Lauvergne's comeback / News - Basketnews.com

Tony Parker referred to some issues regarding ASVEL, most notably Zaccharie Risacher's decision to leave the team and Joffrey Lauvergne's return to the courts.

Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Credit Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Tony Parker, president of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, confirmed to 'Progress' that Zaccharie Risacher, the greatest hope of French basketball after Victor Wembanyama, has decided to leave the team.

3-pointers this season

33%7,3Points made:7,3Accuracy:33,2%Place in standings:17Record max:12Record min:2Most made 3FGs:Nando De ColoTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

According to the retired French legend, his intentions were to build the team of next season around the 18-year-old prospect and veteran players Nando De Colo and Joffrey Lauvergne.

In an exchange with the journalist Luc Paganon, Tony Parker also stressed that ASVEL can still make the four-peat and win the title once again, even though "Monaco are very, very strong."

To begin with, Parker revealed that the French league is currently working on a new playoff format that will include best-of-five series all the way to the finals, and starting from the first round. He added that LBN clubs will most likely be reduced from 18 to 16, even 14.

"As usual, we stepped up when the EuroLeague season ended. The serious stuff is starting," he commented.

Parker, 41, made clear thatJoffrey Lauvergne isn't expected to return to action this season.

"Joffrey is doing very, very well, but I think it would be too big a risk. He still has two years of contract with us and he's very important for us in the future," he stressed.

Parker went on to point out that Fedcom will not ASVEL's main sponsor, since the company has already a deal in place with AS Monaco.

"On the other hand, there is an interest from Skweek (a platform created by Fedcom), that wants to do everything possible to develop French basketball. We have discussions, but nothing has been signed," he said.

Asked about Zaccharie Risacher's decision to leave ASVEL, Parker replied that he respects the player who revealed that he's still undecided whether he'll join JL Bourg next season.

That development, which follows Victor Wembanyama's departure, can make one think that coach TJ Parker might have been one of the main factors. But Tony vehemently denied those rumors.

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