Warning of a “Big French Mafia” Before the Hof Ceremony, Tony Parker Detailed the “Surreal” Nature of His Induction

For years, AT&T Center chanted the name of Tony Parker. Last night, Symphony Hall in Springfield followed suit. The Naismith Hall of Fame stands as the highest honor in the game of basketball.  The inauguration of the Hall of Fame dates back to 1959.  Its first class of members was led by none other than the father of basketball, James Naismith himself. 64 years and over 400 inductions later, the four-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs made history.

The Parisian Torpedo has had his name written in the books, becoming the first Frenchman to join the ranks.

Tony Parker: The new epitome in the Hall of Fame

Tony Parker is a distinguished French basketball player with 4 championships in his bag. And he is the first French national to be inducted into the Hall of Fame With such a heavy embellishment on his crown. Parker devoted his accomplishment to his coach Gregg Popovich. In the enshrinement ceremony, Parker shared a heartfelt address. When asked what it’s like to be in the Hall of Fame, Parker was stunningly honest.

“It feels surreal and to be honest with you, I never thought somebody like me can experience something like that,” admitted T.P.

The Spurs legend also brought a lot of his countrymen into town for his enshrinement. “I have a lot of French people in town, I apologize it’s gonna be a big French mafia tonight and tomorrow.”

Of course, since it was one of the biggest nights of the 41-year-old’s life, he must’ve been grateful to have his friends and family around. Even if they had to cross the Atlantic Ocean to get there.

Notably, Tony Parker entered the Hall of Fame alongside his 74-year-old coach Gregg Popovich. It was the first time in the history of the Hall of Fame that a coach and player duo were inducted in the same year.

Watch this story: Dubbed  To Be “Trailblazer”, Tony Parker Credits Record-Breaking Success to 74YO Spurs Legend Ahead of HoF Induction

When he was inquired about the feat, “I just can’t get rid of him,” chuckled Tony. “Everything we accomplished with Spurs is so special,” Parker continued.

Springfield: the holy shrine of basketball

The city of Springfield, Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball. That’s why the ceremony is held there. Symphony Hall was all decked for the massive weekend and the city was rife with all the idols of the game.

This year a total of 11 coaches, referees and former players joined the elite ranks. Even the San Antonio Spurs big three were reunited.

Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan descended on Massachusetts to honor their teammate and coach on their big night. Now, the three frontmen and their coach are all Hall of Famers.

It’s hard to argue their status as one of the most historically great teams ever.

Also read: Hours After Compelling 45YO Arsenal Legend to Go ‘Wild’, HoF Inductee Tony Parker Reflects on “Surreal” Emotions