2022 – Victor Wembanyama catches NBA attention after US trip

CNN
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At just 18, Victor Wembanyama already looks like a future NBA superstar.

The six-foot-tall French teenager wowed the US this week after showing off his skills in two exhibition matches against development team G League Ignite.

Wembanyama, who reportedly has an eight-foot wingspan, inspired his team Metropolitans 92 to a 112-106 win on Thursday, recording 36 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks and 4 assists.

It came after a 122-115 loss in Tuesday’s first game, where the NBA prospect still had 37 points.

“As a first impression of the American game, it was really great,” Wembanyama told reporters on Thursday.

Wembanyama’s frightening combination of size and grace on the court has caught the attention of several NBA scouts, with many predicting the youngster will be the first pick in next year’s draft.

He also caught the eye of LeBron James, who earlier this week said Wembanyama was an “alien” and a “generational talent.”

But for the teenager, it’s all about keeping your feet on the ground.

“Of course it’s an honor to see such great people talking about me like that, but it really doesn’t change anything,” Wembanyama said after Thursday’s game at the Dollar Loan Center.

“I thought, ‘Oh, that’s cool.’ But not anymore. I have to try to stay focused. I haven’t done anything yet.”

Wembanyama was also watched by friend and Frenchman Rudy Gobert on Thursday, with the two-meter-tall NBA player posing for a photo alongside Wembanyama.

The image only emphasized how tall the teenager is and subsequently went viral on social media.

“I feel good, I feel small,” Gobert laughed as he stood next to Wembanyama.

Gobert added to reporters, “What impresses me most about him is his maturity.

“Obviously he’s a very unique talent and he has a very unique physique. But his maturity and his confidence, he is unique.”

Wembanyama will now return to France with his team, but should he remain injury-free he will no doubt grace the NBA with his talent sooner rather than later.