Which statement best describes how the connotation of the word statesmen affects the passages meaning?

I'd go with the first A

A. The connotation suggests that Obie has earned the respect of those around him.

Explanation:

A statesman is a term used for politicians, public figures o diplomats usually with a respected and long career sometimes to an international level. By stating that he can teach a thing or two to the amateurs, it denotes that he is experienced of many years in his own career.