2023-11-11 05:35:58
Smiling and relaxed! Marine Johannès, who readily describes herself as “shy” and “reserved”, displayed a beautiful relaxation this Friday afternoon during a press briefing with several French media. Usually more comfortable expressing herself on the floor – she received tributes from Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James on social networks after one of her famous spectacular shoots – than in front of the microphones, she responded, from the offices of her Asvel club which she found two days earlier, directly to the questions. From her experience in the WNBA – the women’s version of the NBA – with the New York Liberty, to the psychodrama of last spring with the French Federation, which closed the doors of the Euro to her because of her choice to go to the States -United, passing for the next Olympic Games in Paris.
The controversy with the Blues
“We didn’t talk about the Euro but we spoke with Jean-Pierre Siutat (president of the FFBB), Alain Contensoux (national technical director), Aimé (Jean-Aimé Toupane, the coach) and Céline (Dumerc, the GM of the Bleues), explains Johannès. We said things to each other, we also wanted to organize ourselves for next summer and the Games in Paris. We forget and move on. Being in New York, far from all that (the controversy), it undoubtedly helped me. But now the most important thing is to play basketball. I don’t want to worry. We are writing a new page. Their first question was to know my desire, I was very clear: my goal is to be at the Olympic Games in Paris. I just want to try to be part of this team.”
The Paris Games
“We think about it, I obviously think about it. A lot of people are talking about the Paris Games, there are advertisements on TV. This is an event not to be missed. I missed the last two competitions (the 2022 World Cup due to an injury and, therefore, Euro 2023) but I am very excited to return to the France team. It’s my aim. Regardless of the color, the objective will be to bring home a medal, that is our first objective. We know that there will be a lot of expectations from the public because we will be in Paris. It is an important event for basketball and French sport. In Tokyo, because of Covid, we were unable to take advantage of the other competitions. I hope to be able to live the experience to the fullest this time, to go see other disciplines, to be with the other athletes in the village. It’s going to be cool. In Rio I went to see judo, I would like to see volleyball…”
The french team
“I watched a bit of yesterday’s match (Les Bleues played a qualifying match for Euro 2025 on Thursday). I am close to the executives, I am always in contact with them, with Alexia (Chartereau) who is co-captain. I know what’s going on. I would have liked to play this match, to find the France group, but I needed to rest after almost 6 months in the United States. It was necessary mentally and physically. I had discussed it with Tony (Parker the boss of Asvel) and he told me that it would be better for me to take the time. But I will be happy to return with the France team at the next international window in February. We have a trip to China (for a qualifying tournament without stakes since the Blue are qualified for the Games), it will not be easy it will mark the start of the preparation. It will be a real first test to see what we can and must work on so as not to lose time for the June gathering (before the Games). »
His role with the French team
“There is no revenge, just the desire to play my basketball and do what Aimé and the French team need, I don’t want to put myself forward. There are a lot of young people who have arrived and who have a lot of talent. They are the future, they will gain strength. I am no longer the young girl (she is 28 years old), I must bring my experience and give advice. I’m not the perfect player but if I can help the younger ones I’ll be happy. I want to show that I have my place among them but without putting myself forward. »
His American experience
“It’s another world. It’s not the same budget as here (at Asvel), you don’t need to wash your clothes, go shopping, these are almost NBA conditions. We could play in front of 18,000 spectators at the Barclays Center. (Regarding the victory in the Commissioner’s Cup, a tournament organized during the season) It was nice to experience that, to be part of the club’s first title even if not the championship. I also took the opportunity to go several times to Broadway, to Time Square, Central Park, to the Brooklyn Bridge… I’m happy to have had this great experience. I have no regrets. I have experienced incredible things. I saw stars, like Drake or LeBron (James). It’s small things but it’s nice. For LeBron’s tweet I hadn’t seen it, it was friends in France who sent me messages. I didn’t dare go see him after the match. Next summer there are the Games but I would like to return to the WNBA in 2025, maybe even for a whole season if possible. »
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— SKWEEK (@skweektv) October 30, 2023
His relationship with Victor Wembanyama
“Everyone is impressed with Victor in the United States, everyone had questions about him, even before the draft. As soon as I arrived in New York (in May) I was asked a lot of questions about him. After the start of the season everyone is impressed. But I don’t necessarily want to experience what he’s going through, I don’t know if anyone would want to experience that anyway. There are a lot of expectations around him. I feel like he has to learn everything in a few months. But I think he’s doing well even if it’s not easy. He’s a calm, humble person, we’re a bit alike for that perhaps. »
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