Tony Parker began the next chapter of his basketball career on Saturday (27 June), making his head coaching debut at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The 44-year-old enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning four NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and guiding France to the FIBA EuroBasket 2013 title. A six-time NBA All-Star and an Olympian for France, Parker was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
His first match in charge ended in a 115-84 defeat to reigning champions the United States in Group A.
“Today showed us what the very, very highest level looks like,” he told FIBA. “It was a good test, and we have a lot to work on. Personally, I felt great, but I would have much rather won.”