Career Timeline of Tuomas Iisalo: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Tuomas Iisalo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tuomas Iisalo is a Finnish basketball coach currently serving as the interim head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Prior to this role, he was an assistant coach for the Grizzlies under Taylor Jenkins. He is also a former basketball player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Started Senior Playing Career

In 2000, Tuomas Iisalo began his senior playing career with Kouvot in Korisliiga, marking the start of his professional basketball involvement.

2009: Won the Finnish Cup

In 2009, Tuomas Iisalo won the Finnish Cup with Kouvot, marking a significant achievement in his playing career.

2013: Retirement from playing

After the 2013-14 season, Tuomas Iisalo retired from playing professional basketball, transitioning towards coaching.

March 2016: Signed with Crailsheim Merlins

In March 2016, Tuomas Iisalo moved to Germany and signed with Crailsheim Merlins in the Basketball Bundesliga, aiming to save the team from relegation.

2017: Crailsheim promoted to Bundesliga

At the end of the 2017-18 ProA season, Tuomas Iisalo coached Crailsheim Merlins and they were promoted back to Bundesliga as the runners-up, marking a successful coaching achievement.

2019: Joonas Iisalo Joins as Associate Coach

In early 2019, Joonas Iisalo, Tuomas's brother, joined the Crailsheim Merlins as an associate coach, strengthening the coaching team.

2020: Bundesliga Playoff Berth

In the 2020-21 season, Tuomas Iisalo guided the Crailsheim Merlins to their first ever Bundesliga playoff berth, despite having one of the league's lowest budgets.

May 2021: Signed with Telekom Baskets Bonn

In May 2021, Tuomas Iisalo signed a two-year deal with Bundesliga side Telekom Baskets Bonn, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.

June 2023: Appointed Head Coach of Paris Basketball

On June 29, 2023, Paris Basketball of the French LNB Pro A and the EuroCup announced the appointment of Tuomas Iisalo as head coach on a three-year deal.

December 2023: Head Coach of Team World in LNB All-Star Game

In December 2023, Tuomas Iisalo was named the head coach of the Team World (Team Monde) in the LNB All-Star Game, recognizing his coaching influence.

February 2024: Won LNB Pro A Leaders Cup

On February 18, 2024, Tuomas Iisalo and Paris Basketball won the 2024 LNB Pro A Leaders Cup title, defeating Nanterre 90-85 in the final, showcasing his coaching success.

April 2024: Won EuroCup Title

On April 12, 2024, Tuomas Iisalo led Paris Basketball to win the 2023–24 EuroCup title, beating JL Bourg-en-Bresse with 2–0 wins in the finals, and earning a place for the next season in the EuroLeague.

June 2024: LNB Pro A Finals

In June 2024, Tuomas Iisalo led Paris to the LNB Pro A Finals, marking another significant achievement in his coaching career.

June 2024: Lecturer at Basketball Coaching Clinic

In late June 2024, Tuomas Iisalo was a coach lecturer in the Dušan Ivković Basketball Coaching Clinic in Belgrade, Serbia, teaching offense and discussing pick and roll defense.

July 2024: Named Assistant Coach for Memphis Grizzlies

On July 8, 2024, Tuomas Iisalo was named as assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA, responsible for the team's offense, and becoming the first Finnish-born coach in the NBA.

March 2025: Promoted to Interim Head Coach

On March 28, 2025, Tuomas Iisalo was promoted to interim head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies after Taylor Jenkins was fired, despite the team having a strong record and being likely to enter the NBA playoffs.