Basketball’s Mister Nice goes phygital
Dominique Gentil is a basketball legend. He has won many medals and titles and has already secured his place in the history books. But the title he's most proud of is Mister Nice.
Since retiring from professional basketball, he has played in phygital tournaments and is now preparing the Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF) in Astana. Before the event starts, we spoke with Dominique about how to play hard on the court and still be the nicest guy off it.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, you had the honor of officially opening the Olympic 3x3 basketball tournament in front of millions of viewers. Now you're getting ready to compete at GOTF 2026. How will you feel being on the phygital stage?
It was a huge honor to be invited to the Olympic Games. It was a special way to be recognized for my career. Since then, I have retired from professional basketball. So although, I no longer experience the same emotions, my passion remains just the same.
For many young athletes and esports players at the Games of the Future 2026, you're an icon of traditional 3x3 basketball. Do you think teams raise their game when they face Paris Phygital, because they want to be able to say they faced Dominique Gentil?
Yes, I think so. I’ve already talked about it with other players. As I was a well-known 3x3 player in France, I think it pushes teams to raise their level. But today, I’m not the same player anymore as I’ve gotten older! That said, I’m still a competitor.
In previous phygital tournaments, your strategy was simple: stay close in the digital stage, then take control on the real court. Has that changed for 2026?
It’s going to be much more difficult. The sport has developed. We’ll really have to be at our best because the other teams are incredibly strong. We’re definitely not one of the favorites, but anything can happen.
In 2024, you stood in the center of the Paris Olympics and officially opened the world's biggest 3x3 basketball event. Many people thought that was the perfect ending to an incredible career. What motivates you to keep competing, build Paris Phygital, and travel to the Games of the Future 2026?
Honestly, I haven’t played basketball since the Paris Olympics. However, when I was contacted to take part in GOTF, I didn’t hesitate for a second. The organization, the professionalism, the atmosphere – everything about it sounds exceptional. It is simply something I couldn’t miss.
Dominique, with the recent changes to the digital part of the competition, how are you preparing for playing the digital stage ?
My teammate is the European NBA 2K champion and we already have great chemistry. However, the new format changes things. We no longer have the advantage we had in previous competitions. That said, I have a lot of confidence in him.
You're well known for your love of travel, and one of the most powerful experiences in your life was visiting an orphanage in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. When a professional athlete from Europe sees children who have so little, yet still smile so genuinely, how does that change your perspective on winning and losing? Has that experience helped you deal with the pressure of elite sport in a different way?
That’s a very good question. You know, sport has been a part of my entire life, but there are so many things that are more important. Thanks to God, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible moments throughout my life and to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds. Those experiences really help you keep things in perspective when you go through difficult times.
On the court you're like a rock - you never back down from physical battles, injuries, or much bigger opponents. But you've also said in an interview that you're actually a very sensitive person off the court. What affects "Mister Nice" more than even any opponent ever could?
Haha you know a lot about me! Yes, that's true. People call me " Mister Nice" for a reason. I always try to bring something positive to the people around me and spread love wherever I can. What really touches me are the people who don’t have the chance to experience that kind of love every day. That’s one of the reasons I’m so committed to working with charities – visiting children in hospitals, spending time with homeless people, and meeting elderly residents in nursing homes. If I can make someone smile, even for a few moments, then I feel like I’ve done something meaningful.
Looking at the teams in this year's tournament, which one would you most like to meet in the final, if you get there?
Our chances of reaching the final are slim. I’ve seen some of the other teams, and they’re extremely tough opponents. We’ll have to be at our very best if we want to compete with them.
Dominique, when you look back on your career in 20 years – what do you want people to remember about you?
You know, I’ve always been the captain of every team I’ve played for. With the French national team, I had the honor of serving as captain for ten years. To me, a captain is someone who is always ready to help, support, and listen to others. That’s how I hope people will remember me not just for the player I was on the court and all the titles and medals I’ve won, but for the person I was off it as well.
