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French NBA player Alexis Ajinca reacts to Paris attacks

Xinhua, November 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

Following his team's 100-81 loss to Toronto Raptors on Friday evening, New Orleans Pelicans Center Alexis Ajinca reacted to the terrorist attacks that occurred in his homeland hours prior. 

   "It's just a crazy world," said Ajinca following the game. "You think you're safe and you're walking down the street and next thing you know, people start shooting."

   Ajinca was born in the city of Saint-Etienne, situated approximately 500 kilometers south of Paris. During the post-game interview, members of the media learned that his entire family is currently living in Paris. 

   "Pretty much all my family live in Paris. I just found that everyone is safe now," Ajinca said. 

   Prior to leaning the status of his family, Ajinca was anxious to hear from his loved ones throughout the game and had written 'Pray for Paris' on his sneakers.

   "During the whole game, I was trying to get this out of my mind and stay focused. It felt weird. I was thinking about it the whole game," he said.

   Ajinca finished the game with 10 points and nine rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

   Having played professional in France for four seasons and also represented the French National team in the EuroBasket 2013 tournament, Ajinca is familiar with the political scene in France.

   "We went through the same thing last year. Three guys going to the newspaper (building) and starting shooting everybody," said Ajinca, referring to the Charlie Hebdo shooting that took place in Paris 10 months prior and resulted in 11 fatalities. 

   "It's scary. I don't know what the government have to do to make people more safe. I hope that is not going to happen more often."  Endi