The jewel is nestled in a padded case, from which a blue LED springs to light up the Asvel logo, the year 2022 and the mention “Three Peat”, in reference to the three titles in a row won by Villeurbanne in 2019 , 2021 and 2022 (the 2020 title was not awarded.
The unprecedented presentation of the champion’s ring, in the manner of the NBA, to the players and members of the staff who took part in the adventure concluded last June against Monaco during a legendary match 5 at the Astroballe (84- 82 ap) was the main attraction of an afternoon when Asvel, after a messy start in the Championship, easily imposed its will on Bourg (102-84).
“A memory for life”
Tony Parker, President of Asvel
Black carpets were rolled out and green plants placed at the four corners of the floor from the final buzzer, to outline the path to take to reach the central circle, where the champion’s trophy was displayed, and Tony Parker, president of the club, was waiting to give each player and staff member present the famous ring. “It’s so hard to win… When we saw the way we went for this third title, we said to ourselves that we had to mark the occasion. This ring is a memory for life.Parker slipped into the microphone.
“I had lived that with the Spurs, whispered his brother TJ Parker, moved to tears and applauded by the Astroballe. I had had a ring as a family member. But there, to have one that is really mine, it’s incredible. We have experienced incredible, unforgettable things. »
The champion ring given to the Asvel workforce this Saturday. (A. Martin/The Team)
After all the staff and the six players still present -Charles Kahudi, David Lighty, Youssoupha Fall, Antoine Diot, Paul Lacombe, Zaccharie Risacher-, Tony Parker was the last to receive his ring, given by Gaëtan Muller (delegate president and friend childhood), who celebrated his fortieth birthday on Saturday. The former Spurs leader, who already won four league titles with San Antonio in the NBA (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), tried to slip the ring on his little finger, before fixing it on the ring finger of his hand. left.
To motivate his troops this season, “TP” has already promised a new ring in the event of a quadruple in the French Championship (a performance only achieved by Mulhouse from 1928 to 1931). The ceremony ended with a gigantic family photo, pending a return to play on Thursday with the reception of Milan at the opening of the Euroleague.
