Tony Parker begins his coaching career in the French national team under 17 years of age

Last August, Tony Parker announced that he wanted to start new coaching careerduring graduation. A few months later, his first position is known: he will lead the France U17 national team during the next World Cup in 2026, which will be played from June 27 to July 5, 2026. Why this choice?

“I talked a lot about this new career with my father. How should I start it? And it was logical for both of us to start with the French team and the young French national team. So I applied for the position of coach of the French national team under 17. And, as a symbol, on my father’s birthday, October 15, the French Basketball Federation called me and told me that I had a job.says the former Spurs playmaker in columns of L’Equipe.

The 2007 Finals MVP makes it clear that he is “applied like everyone else” and explained his project to the leaders. These last ones “they got back to me and told me that they agree with my vision and that I have a job”he continues.

“Today, my priority remains the presidency of ASVEL”

If we have to start one day, Tony Parker has not yet confirmed his degrees (it is not necessary that he is already training, he slips, because he has started training) nor has he managed to manage a single match. Therefore, entrusting him with the French team remains a strong choice. « They told me that they were very impressed with my first days of internship and everything I did in August and September. And that it was enough in their eyes, that I am the right person to support this project with U17″insists the former player of the Blues.

However, when revealing his intentions this summer, the president of ASVEL was clear: the double hat will present problems. “You can’t do both at the same time, that’s for sure!” For now I’m getting my degree and I’ll talk to my shareholders in May”he said.

What about today, with the competition to prepare for and finish negotiations with the NBA? “Today, my priority remains the presidency of ASVEL. We have very big problems with NBA Europe and many people trusted me in this project. I remain the president of ASVEL, the majority shareholder, and I will negotiate with the NBA, that’s for sure. he announces.