Tony Parker’s Next Play: Spurs Legend Set To Coach France’s U-17 Squad

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 17:24 IST

Tony Parker becomes head coach of France’s Under-17 men’s team for the 2026 FIBA U-17 World Cup in Istanbul, fulfilling a dream inspired by his late father.

Four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker (X)

Tony Parker is officially back in the game — this time, as a coach.

The NBA Hall of Famer and four-time San Antonio Spurs champion has been named head coach of France’s Under-17 men’s team for the 2026 FIBA U-17 World Cup, the French Basketball Federation announced Friday.

The tournament will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 27 to July 5, 2026.

For Parker, 43, whose iconic No. 9 jersey has been retired by both the Spurs and Team France, the move feels like a natural next step.

“I talked a lot with my father about this new career, how I’d start it, and it felt right to begin with the French national team," Parker told L’Équipe.

“On his birthday, October 15, the Federation called and told me I had the job. It felt symbolic."

Parker also revealed to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears that his late father had written down coaching the French national team and the NBA among his top goals for his son, something that now fuels his new journey.

“When I found that list, it gave me huge motivation," Parker said. “I miss the court, the adrenaline, the challenge, the drive to win. The front office is fun, but it’s not the same."

Turning down several NBA assistant roles, Parker said he’s eager to pour his experience into the next generation.

“We’ve been talking about it for a year," he added. “It’s time to help those kids and put all this knowledge to use."

Parker famously led France to their first EuroBasket title in 2013 and remains one of the most decorated European players in NBA history.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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