World Cup – In full preparation for the World Cup, Frank Ntilikina has opened up on his signing with the Hornets and his difficult spell in Dallas.
Rather discreet on these first three preparation matches, Frank Ntilikina (3 points, 2 assists Monday evening) discreetly resumes its place in the tricolor hierarchy. Substitute leader, in a role of versatile defender of large size on the outside positions, the neo-Hornet continues to redo the icing and find the rhythm of high competition.
Like for example by winning the midfield shooting contest at the end of training today at the CO’Met Arena in Orléans! By beating Rudy Gobert in the final…
Frank, you missed the last competition with the Blues, the Euro last summer, due to injury, how do you feel within the group for your return?
“It’s very good for me to find the group and this context, it’s really nice to be back in the French team. I was really disappointed to miss the Euro last year and it was important to me to show that I could be present [cet été]. It’s always an honor to be selected. We started training very strongly with the group, we are all focused on the objective. I’m taking full advantage of this high-intensity context to play a lot of games again.”
In the Olympic group in Tokyo with the silver medal at the end, do you already have a good idea of what your role will be in the team?
” Yes. I just have to play my game. The staff wants to put in place a system that relies on everyone’s strengths, and that’s part of the defense for me, that’s where I’m expected. After, [en attaque], it’s about getting the team to play and making the right choices. I just have to play my game within the principles put in place by the staff. »
After a season without playing too much in Dallas, did you have difficulty finding your breath and your legs, the famous match condition?
” It’s certain. I put the emphasis on physical preparation to arrive as fit as possible. [avec les Bleus]. And as fast as possible. But nothing replaces the five against five and nothing replaces the matches. I admit that the first games were quite trying for me. But I knew it. I expected that. Now I’m starting to find the rhythm, the game is slowing down as they say. The faster we understand the principles of the game, the more easily we can play because we know what to look for and we are less in a rush. We still have a little time before the competition to arrive at the best version of the French team. »
We learned of your signing with the Hornets during the preparation, was it a desire on your part to sign quickly before the start of the World Cup? Let’s not talk about it anymore…
“Whatever happens, I thought of the World Cup above all. It was my priority. Everything that happened outside of training and group life, I let my team take care of it. Now that the signature has been formalized, before the competition, we can say that it is a weight less [sur mes épaules]. Since the end of the season in Dallas, I’ve been thinking about the World Cup. I had prepared [à être free agent] during the World Cup. »
“My motivation this summer was to find playing time. Whether that means the NBA or a return to Europe”
Have you been in contact with the Hornets staff, and the coach, Steve Clifford?
“It happened in several stages. I had practiced in front of coaches during the summer league. And before too. I talked a lot with the front office [des Hornets] and the coach. It’s also what motivated me to stay in the NBA because I have the opportunity to have playing time. [à Charlotte]. My motivation this summer was to find playing time. Whether that means the NBA or a return to Europe. »
You are going to face Lithuania tomorrow in Orléans, then on Friday in Vilnius, do you feel the group is ready to put the pressure on?
“We approach this match in the same way. We know that the level will be higher but it will help us to prepare too. We are very rigorous, I think we really have a great state of mind. Tomorrow, it will be a big team and it will be interesting to see where we are. But we are ready to give everything, at 100% of our abilities. »
What is your assessment of your time in Dallas?
“It happens in the history of a career, I continue my path. Unfortunately, there are injuries. This was the case last year before the Euro, and then after the training camp [à Dallas]. But you have to learn to deal with and overcome these obstacles. Unfortunately, we can’t control everything… But I would say that it was still two rewarding years. I learned a lot from these situations. To play with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. I was in front of him every day in training. It was a great experience with a lot of great players. »
Interview in Orléans
Frank Ntilikina Percentage Rebounds Season Team MJ Min Shots 3pts Off Def Tot Pd Fte Int Bp Ct Pts 2017-18 NYK 78 22 36.4 31.8 72.1 0.5 1.8 2.3 3.2 2.3 0.8 1.7 0.2 5.9 2018-19 NYK 43 21 33.7 28.7 76.7 0.3 1.7 2.0 2.8 2.4 0.7 1.3 0.3 5.7 2019-20 NYK 57 21 39.3 32.1 86.4 0.4 1.7 2.1 3.0 2.5 1.0 1.3 0.3 6.3 2020-21 NYK 33 10 36.7 47.9 44.4 0.2 0.8 0.9 0.6 1.4 0.6 0.3 0.1 2.7 2021-22 DAL 58 12 39.9 34.2 96.0 0.2 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.1 4.1 2022-23 DAL 47 13 36.4 25.4 66.7 0.2 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.4 0.3 0.6 0.2 2.9 Total 316 17 37.1 32.3 76.0 0.3 1.5 1.8 2.2 1.9 0.7 1.0 0.2 4.8
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
2023-08-08 17:10:00
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