Francesco Tabellini joins Paris Basketball as Head Coach

Paris Basketball is proud to announce the appointment of Francesco Tabellini as the new head coach of its professional team. Tabellini succeeds Tiago Splitter and has signed a two-year contract with the reigning French champions.
 
At 41 years old, Francesco Tabellini has established himself in recent years as one of the most up-and-coming and promising coaches in European basketball. Last season his team went a combined 57-8 in the Basketball Champions League and Czech
League, reaching the quarterfinals of the BCL (where it lost to Galatasaray) and winning the Czech League championship for the second year in a row. Tabellini was twice named Czech League Coach of the Year in his two seasons with Nymburk.  He now joins Paris with a clear ambition: to continue the club’s progression while staying true to its core identity—relentless defense and up-tempo basketball.
 

A Coach Who Embodies Our Identity

 
Said Tabellini : « I’ve always believed that one day I would have the chance to coach in the EuroLeague. Since I first began developing my concept of uptempo basketball, I often wondered what stylistic compromises I might have to make to fit at that level. Then Paris Basketball knocked on my door. « With this club, I feel a complete alignment of vision. And I truly believe there is nothing more powerful than a shared vision. »
 

Tabellini will be supported in his mission by Julius Thomas, who has been promoted to the role of Associate Head Coach.  A member of the club for the past two seasons, Julius continues his Paris journey after working with Tuomas Iisalo and Tiago Splitter. His experience and deep knowledge of the organization will be key assets as the club enters this exciting new chapter.
With Splitter’s departure to the NBA Portland Trail Blazers, Paris Basketball was seeking a head coach who would continue its style of play, said David Kahn, co-owner and President.
 
 « Francesco Tabellini has proven the last few seasons as a head coach in Czech Republic and the BCL that he will maintain and perhaps even improve upon our team identity. His teams are relentless on the defensive end; play with a fast pace on the
offensive end; and win more than they are expected to win. He is intense and demanding.
 
« On behalf of the entire Paris Basketball family, I also today want to thank Tiago Splitter, his wife Fernanda, and their beautiful family for their time with us in Paris. Tiago did everything that was asked of him and we wish him well in Portland. And
now we welcome Francesco and his new wife, Silvia ».   Paris Basketball last season won its first French League championship, beating Monaco last Tuesday night in Game 5 in adidas arena.  Earlier in the season it won the French Cup, also a first for the young club. It will return to EuroLeague play in October 2025, having qualified for the playoffs last season in its first season of EuroLeague play. Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are available.

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WELCOME TO THE NEW HEAD COACH OF PARIS BASKETBALL : FRANCESCO TABELLINI ! 🖤❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/NvbQ3KIX55

— Paris Basketball (@ParisBasketball) June 30, 2025