Collet receives insignia as recognition for top honor in France

STRASBOURG - France coach Vincent Collet has been presented with the insignia that recognizes him as chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur.

Collet was promoted to the rank of chevalier (or knight) several months after leading Les Bleus to their first title at FIBA EuroBasket 2013 and since that time has guided the team to third-place finishes at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 and FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

The veteran play-caller also led France to first place at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in the Philippines, an achievement that clinched a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Collet coached Tony Parker, France to victory at the 2016 OQT in Manila

France persuaded Collet, whose first tournament in charge was FIBA EuroBasket 2009, to continue at the helm of the national team after the Rio Games to ensure continuity.

This summer will usher in a new era with Tony Parker, Mickael Gelabale and Florent Pietrus having retired from the France national side after the Brazil Games.

The French will also being without star forward Nicolas Batum, who is the father of a young child and has represented the national side every year since 2009, when they play at FIBA EuroBasket 2017.

Collet is currently at the helm of SIG Strasbourg, a team that he coached in this, the inaugural season of the Basketball Champions League.

FIBA