“The Blues inherited a group with Germany and Japan while waiting to know their fourth opponent. What do you think of this draw and avoiding the United States in the group stage?
We have a potentially trap group, even if it seems interesting and affordable to us. United States ? Playing a team in groups or semi-finals is the same. The fact that they come in full is the best thing for me. I prefer to play the best selection of each country, rather than facing only two or three of them.
What do the Olympic Games mean to you, and what are your best memories as a spectator?
It’s something huge and something that makes me dream. An event that I have watched since I was little. For example, I remember seeing the women’s basketball team in the final in London in 2012 (86-50 defeat against the United States). It’s my most distant memory, I think.
Would not winning the gold medal in Paris this summer be a failure for you and the Blues?
I will see it as a failure if I think we could have done better. And at the same time, I think that the gold medal is very achievable if you play in a way that you don’t have any regrets.
“It’s going to be something new and rarely seen with two profiles like that on the field at the same time”
Victor Wembanyama, on his association with Rudy Gobert
Your association with Rudy Gobert promises to create sparks. Have you had time to think about it during this long NBA season?
Of course I’m thinking about it, and I’m already talking about it with the players and those in charge of the France team. It’s going to be something new and rarely seen with two profiles like that on the field at the same time. There is real research work on the part of the coaches and on our part to see how to make this association work.
Two months will pass between the end of your first NBA season on April 14, and the start of the preparation camp for the Games with the Blues on June 17. How will you prepare for the event?
I’m going to rest for a few days at the end of the season, and then it will be non-stop training until the Olympics (he smiles). I will be in both France and the United States, but more often in the United States. Quite simply for the quality of the structures to which I have access here. And I hope Rudy joins us as late as possible, it will be a good problem (Gobert should qualify for the play-offs with Minnesota in the NBA from April 20). »
