By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
French forward Livio Jean-Charles spent the last five years of his career in Villeurbanne, the French team owned by Tony Parker. But from the next season, he will no longer salute Parker as the president of his club, but share the same locker-rooms with him in AtT&T center.
According to L’Equipe, the San Antonio Spurs have decided that this is the right moment to bring over Jean-Charles, their 2013 first-round draft pick and offer him a contract. The 22-year old player averaged 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and one block in the regular season of the French Pro A championship, increasing his output during post-season.
While Villeurbanne, proceeded to win one playoffs series after the other, ultimately reaching the Finals and winning the title, Jean-Charles scored 7.5 points and grabbed 4.8 rebounds per game. His defensive abilities, and not only, were pivotal for his team’s success.
Now he is going to bring his athleticism and talents to the San Antonio Spurs, with Tony Parker probably having vouched for his development over the years to Gregg Popovich.
As a replacement in its roster, Villeurbanne, chose 25-year old Bandja Sy who signed a three-year deal with the club. Parker welcomed the new addition of the French champions by saying: “Bandja is the future! Sometime who can play in all positions, progressing each year and has the perfect profile for our championship”. I am very happy that he chose Asvel”.