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Victor Wembanyama, 18, and exceptional measurements: 2.21m, 2.43m wingspan, is the attraction of the moment in the world of basketball and has just honored his first selection for the France team. His recent performances in his club Metropolitans 92 (near Paris) are scrutinized. The NBA has even acquired the TV rights to broadcast the games in the United States. Everyone is talking about the one we now call “Wemby”.
Victor, Wemby, Wembanyama – call it what you want – the “phenomenon” of over 2.20 m, seems far too big for the Palais des sports de Levallois and its 2,500 seats. Especially when it comes to welcoming those basketball fans eager to see this 18-year-old boy with their own eyes.
Some, from the north of France, traveled 300 km to attend this championship match. ” We know that we will not see him again next year, he will be in the NBA. So it’s really an extraordinary chance“, notes a spectator.
Others arrive from much further away, mysterious emissaries with an Anglo-Saxon accent, proof if necessary of the attention paid to this player whom the United States awaits next year in the prestigious NBA. ” I can’t tell you where I’m from, it’s a secret said one of them. If you ask them what they come here to do, the answer is categorical: “I can not tell you. don’t ask me . »
► To read also: Basketball: “Fighting for your country gives inner energy”, launches Wembanyama
« We do not sulk our pleasure »
Even an American journalist made the trip. In the small press conference room, the number of media has increased tenfold. “As soon as we open the ticket office, there are no more places available after almost a morning. It’s only positive for French basketball“, notes Alain Bouvard, the president of the Metropolitans 92.
« When you go outside, it’s also full. It’s a once in a lifetime thing», adds Alain Bouvard. “We do not sulk our pleasure, even if it gives us extra work because we have to review the organization of ticketing, matches, since these are not the same problems in terms of security. We also have a problem with the shops, there are a lot of requests for swimsuits. These are only positive things to deal with“, he wishes to underline.
Full halls, matches broadcast in the United States. Team captain Lahaou Konaté is also amazed. “Frankly, that’s cool. I have never seen that in 12 years of career. We try to make the most of it, then we know that it’s all for Victor. We try to make sure that it is in the best conditions ».
A Defining Year to Lead to the American Dream
That evening, a “giant” Victor Wembanyama offered victory to his team with 33 points and high-class actions. The interested party does not seem more disturbed than that by what is happening to him.
« I’ve been preparing for it since I was born actually, so it doesn’t surprise me“says Victor Wembanyama. “In fact, the more time progresses, the more the objectives are palpable. So there’s more excitement and more focus, that’s what surprises me too. This is the most important year of my life, I imagine“, Considers the basketball player.
Such a crucial year, because it must lead Wemby to his American dream and sign the simple beginning of “Wemby-mania”.
