Tony Parker, the legendary former NBA star, is taking his first steps into professional coaching! He will continue to be the head coach of France’s under-17 basketball team. The French basketball federation made Parker’s appointment official on November 7, 2025. This role marks a big pivot for the 43-year-old sportsman. A long-time man of the field, he was considering a transition to coaching for the last two years.
Parker, a four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, can’t wait to return to the court. Now he would like to play a more constructive role. He can lay claim to a career replete with high-profile successes. He captured titles in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014, and scored 181 appearances with the French national team. He coached France to EuroBasket tournament gold medal in 2013.
Speaking to L’Equipe newspaper, Parker focused on the positive reasons for his move into coaching. He stated, “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 is taking on U17 team head coach responsibilities. He is getting ready to lead them through the Junior Green Lions’ maiden U17 World Cup tentatively scheduled for Turkey next year. His deep experience as a high-level player encompasses the NBA and international tournaments. That background can no doubt provide invaluable perspective to the impressionable young athletes he counsels.
Parker developed a deep connection with basketball early on, which fuels his passion to develop the sport’s next generation of talent. His legacy as an accomplished player not only includes championships and accolades but a commitment to fostering growth within the basketball community.
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