Nando De Colo announces he will play « possibly the last year » of his career
At 38, Nando De Colo is about to begin his 20th professional season, his fourth with ASVEL. The French guard, who retired from the national team after winning silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, doesn’t rule out that this season could be the last of his illustrious career.
A final run with ASVEL?
On Monday, speaking to RMC on Integrale Sport, Nando De Colo left his future uncertain: « To be honest, is this my last year… maybe. My contract with ASVEL is ending, I’ve been with the club for four years. I’m trying to focus on the present, to enjoy it, but in the back of my mind, it could be the last (season), we’ll see how it unfolds. »
Having joined ASVEL in 2022, the two-time EuroLeague champion will start the 2025-2026 season aiming to perform well, while knowing that retirement could come at the end of spring.
The Olympic final memory still fresh
De Colo also reflected on his final competition with the French team, marked by the 2024 Olympic final loss to the United States (87-98): « I think there’s no point in having regrets. There’s obviously great pride. As time passes, you replay the game in your mind and realize we were in it. But the last two minutes got away from us. »
Carried by the French crowd during the knockout phase, Les Bleus found new energy after a difficult group stage. « The crowd played an important role. I wish we had more French fans in the front rows for the final. »
Nationality:
Staying in basketball after playing
If he decides to hang up his shoes, Nando De Colo doesn’t plan to leave basketball behind: « I want to share my knowledge with anyone willing to listen. Whatever the level, I love it. I’m keeping all doors open. »
With 209 caps and 2,194 points scored, the Sainte-Catherine native leaves behind one of the most impressive records in French basketball history: six international medals including gold at Euro 2013 and two Olympic silver medals (Tokyo and Paris).
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