Coaching change for ASVEL’s U18 ELITE: Paccelis Morlende steps down

One of France’s most promising U18 programs, regular participant in the EuroLeague’s ANGT, will undergo a significant change during the offseason. ASVEL has confirmed the departure of their U18 ELITE coach, Paccelis Morlende, who will remain at TP Academy focusing on his role as individual skills coach.

Paccelis Morlende leaves his position after two mixed seasons

Having taken charge of ASVEL’s U18 ELITE team two years ago, Paccelis Morlende, former professional point guard drafted by the Sixers in 2003, will step down as head coach. Although he led his team to the French Cup final in 2024 (lost to Cholet at Bercy), the team failed to qualify for the U18 championship playoffs in the past two seasons. This was partly due to having a significantly younger roster compared to the league average.

Malgré un très bon match de nos U18, Antibes s’imposent sur leur parquet.#TeamASVEL #U18 pic.twitter.com/EPF4lrY39w

— ASVEL BASKET ⚪️⚫️ (@asvelbasketasso) April 13, 2025

Still under contract with ASVEL, Morlende will return to his role as individual coach at TP Academy, an integrated structure within Villeurbanne’s youth academy, where his expertise is valuable for developing young talents. His professional playing experience, years as a youth coach at Nantes Hermine Basket, and understanding of high-level requirements are highly valued internally.

Recruitment launched to find his successor

According to Le Progrès, ASVEL has launched a broad recruitment campaign to find his replacement. Several profiles are being considered, including an internal candidate, to continue growing one of France’s most prominent youth academies. Besides its championship participation, ASVEL’s U18 section competes annually in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT), a showcase event for Europe’s best U18 talents under EuroLeague’s umbrella.