Tony Parker confirms he will coach ASVEL next season after France U17 World Cup opening loss to the USA

Baptism of fire in Istanbul

Tony Parker experienced a rough introduction to the head-coaching ranks. His France U17 side was overwhelmed 115-84 by a USA team that has never lost in the competition’s history (51 consecutive wins at the start of the tournament, the article from Le Figaro notes) and beat opponents by an average of 30 points. The game took place at the World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey.

France was always chasing the score, despite a strong individual performance from Nathan Soliman, who finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Aaron Towo-Nansi and Amadou Fall of Cholet Basket also featured.

“I take it as a real sign from life, because my dad pushed me a lot to become a coach. I know I made the right choice. I love getting up every morning and seeing my team, talking with the assistant coaches. I love basketball.”

From the court to the bench

Parker, 44, retired as a player in 2019 after four NBA titles with the San Antonio Spurs and a European championship with France in 2013. He had been president of ASVEL since 2014 and is now adding the head-coaching role. In a press conference earlier in June, he said the “player doesn’t exist anymore. Now it’s coach Parker.” His U17 players described him as “a great player with a lot of experience” who demands they be “killers” on the court.

“Frankly, I am like a child living his first day of school and putting on the uniform. I am so proud to have this opportunity.”

ASVEL decision confirmed

In an interview with L’Équipe published Saturday, Parker ended speculation about his future. He will lead his own club, ASVEL, next season while also retaining his roles as minority shareholder and president of basketball operations. The lure of coaching in France, combined with the upcoming NBA Europe, made the project irresistible.

“Between the attachment to my country, the fact that ASVEL is like my baby, the arrival of NBA Europe, starting with my heart club has become a very attractive project. I will wear several hats: I will still be minority shareholder, president of basketball operations and coach.”

He will be assisted by Vincent Collet, the former French national team head coach (2009–2024) who also guided SIG Strasbourg and the Metropolitans 92.

What comes next

France’s U17 side continues its group-stage campaign with two more matches: against Italy on Sunday 28 June at 14:15 and against Japan on Tuesday 30 June at 11:00 (local time). Parker will aim to lead the team to better results before returning to domestic duties with ASVEL.