Tony Parker intends to keep playing for France’s national team despite their EuroBasket failure in Madrid.

The NBA Finals MVP had 31 points on Sunday but it wasn’t enough to lead the French past Slovenia, who won 88-74  to finish in seventh place and claim the final berth on offer to European sides for next year’s pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.

Jaka Lakovic hit three long bombs in the big stretch on his way to 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

Nothing but a podium!

Without Tony Parker and despite poor offensive execution, France finished fifth overall in the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, third-best among European teams.

Once considered the only true leader of France’s new generation, “TP” is not alone anymore. His long time friend Boris Diaw-Riffiod is now up there with him.