In 2011, Tony Parker, then vice-president of Asvel, contributed to the arrival of Pierre Vincent on the Villeurbanne bench (from 2011 to 2014). Marked by their common title of European junior champions in 2000 in Zadar, “TP” had even then wanted to play with Asvel during a two-month freelance in full NBA lockout. Ten years later, the former Spurs point guard recalls Pierre Vincent, this time to coach the Asvel women’s team.
Because with its deputy president Marie-Sophie Obama, he decided to end the collaboration with Valéry Demory, one year from the end of his contract at Lyon Asvel Féminin. After four seasons with this one, marked by the first title of French champions of the Lyonnaises in 2019, but also by a surprising elimination in the semi-final in May against Basket Landes, the club decided to “start a new cycle” .
“I wouldn’t be where I am without having met him”
Very laudatory towards the record of Valéry Demory, in his press release published this Tuesday evening, Lyon Asvel Féminin therefore turns to the experienced Pierre Vincent (57 years old). Winner of four French championships and five French Cups with Bourges, from 2003 to 2011, the latter also distinguished himself at the head of the French women’s team, becoming European champion in 2009, vice-champion Europe in 2013 and even Olympic vice-champion in 2012.
At the head of Schio since 2017, where he was Italian champion in 2018 and 2019, Pierre Vincent is therefore back in France. With a small tribute from his ex-player and now president: “I think he’s the man for the job so that we find the highest level and that we pass a course. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t be where I am without having met him ”.