Paris Basketball Appoints Julius Thomas as Head Coach After Tabellini's Departure

Despite the initial enthusiasm surrounding his arrival, Francesco Tabellini's tenure on the Paris Basketball bench was short-lived. A challenging streak, marked by three consecutive defeats including a recent loss to Bourg (85-95) this Sunday, led the capital club to part ways with the Italian tactician on Monday.

Taking the helm of the Parisian club for the remainder of the season is 28-year-old Julius Thomas. A protégé of Tuomas Iisalo, under whom he served as an assistant in 2023, the German coach will embark on his first experience as a head coach. He is expected to maintain the playing identity established by his predecessors.

In an official statement, Paris Basketball confirmed: "As part of its sports project management, Paris Basketball has ended its collaboration with head coach Francesco Tabellini. Julius Thomas has been named interim head coach until the end of the 2025–2026 season. He previously held the position of associate coach."

The team currently holds a record of 12 wins and 21 losses in the EuroLeague, with five games remaining, and 16 wins and 7 losses in Betclic ÉLITE. Their next fixtures include an away game in Dijon this Friday, followed by a return to the adidas arena on April 2nd to host Olimpia Milano.

Club President David Kahn commented on Tabellini's departure: "Francesco worked tirelessly to support the progress of Paris Basketball, an ambitious young club with an innovative playing style on the European scene. He always demonstrated professionalism and intelligence in his communications. Under his direction, the club notably secured prestigious victories against Real Madrid at home, as well as away against Partizan Belgrade, FC Barcelona, and Panathinaïkos, demonstrating its ability to compete at the highest European level. The entire club wishes him every success in his future career."

At just 28 years old, Julius Thomas becomes the youngest head coach in EuroLeague history, further showcasing Paris Basketball's commitment to entrusting young talents. Thomas joined the capital's staff in the summer of 2023–2024 under Tuomas Iisalo and actively contributed to shaping the team's playing identity, fully aligning with the Parisian project's continuity. He then continued his mission as an assistant under Tiago Splitter, both of whom now hold head coaching positions in the NBA.

David Kahn expressed his anticipation for the new collaboration: "Like our principal owner Eric Schwartz, I look forward to working closely with Julius to finish the season in the best possible way."