Tony Parker to lead France U17 squad in first coaching role
tony-parker-to-lead-france-u17-squad
PARIS — The French Basketball Federation announced Friday that four-time NBA champion Tony Parker will take over as head coach of France’s under-17 men’s national team.
The 43-year-old will guide the squad at the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey, marking his first assignment on the sideline. “I’ve been thinking about coaching for two years now, telling myself it’s the next step for me. I miss being on the court, the adrenaline, the challenge,” Parker told L’Équipe. “That’s why I decided to get my coaching licenses.”
Parker retired from playing in 2019 after an 18-season NBA career highlighted by championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014. Internationally, he appeared 181 times for France and led the national team to the 2013 EuroBasket title.
The U17 World Cup stint will be Parker’s first formal coaching position since ending his playing days.
Source: ESPN
