By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Tony Parker has agreed to become the head coach of France’s under-17 men’s basketball team for the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup, fulfilling a wish of his late father.
Parker discovered a list of goals his father had set for his three sons, including coaching the French national team, which motivated him to take on his first coaching role.
“When I went through his notes after he passed away, one of his notes was top 10 goals for his kids. And when it came to me, it was coaching in the NBA and coaching the national team. That’s what he put on goals for me. So, it gives me a great inspiration and great motivation to follow this dream,” Parker said, according to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears.
The former San Antonio Spurs star further explained his decision.
“I want to give back because I miss the court. I miss the adrenaline, the challenge, the drive to win something. The front office is fun, but it’s not the same as being on the court.”
Parker has turned down NBA assistant roles to focus on this opportunity.
“It has been a year that we’ve been talking about [coaching]… And he’s the one who was like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s coach. Let’s go on the court, help those kids. And with all that knowledge that you have, let’s put it to use.’”
Parker is also managing multiple business ventures in France, including LDLC ASVEL and Lyon Basket Féminin, as well as his Tony Parker Adequat Academy.
“I’ll delegate to my team right now… because I know I’m going to be full-time on this because it takes your whole attention. It takes full time. If you want to be successful at the highest level, it is going to take the same commitment that I had as a player.”
According to Greek reporter Sotiris Vetakis, ASVEL is looking to sell its EuroLeague shares, with Monaco emerging as a leading suitor, and the two sides are already in negotiations.