TITLE: Parker Named France U17 Coach; Hezonja Wins Spanish MVP; Bertans Joins Latvia Staff; Canada Lists 23 for Qualifiers
SLUG: parker-hezonja-bertans-canada-world-cup-pool
CONTENT:
Former San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker has opened training camp as head coach of France’s Under-17 national team ahead of the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul later this month. The 44-year-old, who logged 18 NBA seasons, called his first day on the job “like the first day of school” and said he was thrilled to wear the French jersey again.
Parker’s stint with the youth squad marks the beginning of his coaching career. He is already slated to lead ASVEL Villeurbanne next season, where he is set to become the highest-paid coach in the French League. Despite a decorated playing résumé, Parker never appeared in a World Cup, explaining that the event once took a back seat to EuroBasket and the Olympics.
Hezonja Named ACB MVP
In Spain, Mario Hezonja has been voted Most Valuable Player of the Liga Endesa after averaging 17.5 points for Real Madrid. The former first-round pick spent five NBA seasons with Orlando, New York and Portland before returning to Europe, where he bypassed reported NBA interest last spring to remain with the Spanish giants.
Bertans to Oversee Latvian Program
Eight-year NBA veteran Davis Bertans has accepted the role of sports director for Latvia’s men’s national team structure. His responsibilities stretch from the Under-14 level to the senior squad. Bertans said his experience in “world-class organizations” would help him build an environment that develops the next generation while supporting current national team players and staff.
Canada Announces 23-Man Pool
Canada Basketball published a 23-player pool for July’s World Cup qualifiers, opening with a July 3 matchup against Puerto Rico. Two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headlines the list, but Jamal Murray is absent. General manager Rowan Barrett said Murray “has tremendous desire to play for the country” but is not currently committed, citing unspecified issues. Shaedon Sharpe and Andrew Wiggins were also left off the roster.
The Canadian pool will be trimmed closer to game day, with roster spots determined by player availability and health.
Source: Hoops Rumors
