Frenchman Victor Wembanyama sees himself “on the right path” at the end of his first NBA season which ended on Sunday. The basketball prodigy looks forward to the Paris Olympic Games and then to the future with his club, the Spurs.
Published on: 04/15/2024 – 10:15
4 mn
Time to take stock after a first season in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama sees himself “on the right path” at the end of his first season with Spurs which ended on Sunday, and the French prodigy is looking forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics and the future with his club.
Spared by his franchise, Victor Wembanyama did not play Sunday in the 82nd and final regular season game for San Antonio, which won 123-95 against the Detroit Pistons.
Eliminated for a long time from the race for the final stages, the Spurs, long last in the West, finally finished 14th out of 15 in their conference with the 26th (out of 30) record in the entire NBA for 22 victories and 60 defeats, i.e. exactly the same number as last season, before the draft as number 1 of the French giant (2.24 m).
This lack of progress and sometimes catastrophic collective basketball (franchise record of 18 defeats in a row broken in December), before an improvement at the end of the season, never made “Wemby” doubt.
“I saw people doubt, but not for a single second,” assured the Frenchman at a press conference. “I never thought that I was not in the best possible place. I would have liked to do better, to be in the play-offs, but although it’s hard today, I think about the long term, and I trust my teammates and the project 100%.
A “rather satisfactory” first exercise in the NBA
Placed at the heart of Spurs’ ambition in reconstruction – “they immediately put me in the loop on many subjects” – Victor Wembanyama was the subject of particular attention to his physique.
For his first NBA season, the Frenchman played 71 of 82 games, seeing his number of matches or sometimes minutes restricted by ankle alerts, surrounded by great precautions.
“I was surprised by how my body was able to maintain the intensity for an entire season, which is what a body is capable of withstanding,” responds the 20-year-old basketball player. “I’m happy with the way it went, with the management of my body. We tried to be careful as much as possible. I would have liked to play 82 matches but it’s my first season, looking back It’s quite satisfying.”
Individually, Victor Wembanyama met expectations, first at the statistical level, with rare figures for a “rookie” (beginner): 21.4 points on average, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks. – he largely dominates this area throughout the NBA.
His deterrent force under the circle, his leadership in his young team and his progress in several sectors – long-distance shooting, turnovers, collective understanding – should hands down give him the title of rookie of the year. “Wemby” is also applying for the “best defender” award, along with his compatriot Rudy Gobert.
“It’s my dream to play in the Olympics”
Did he surpass expectations? Not his. “That’s not how I feel. Every day I try to do more, to achieve new records, to achieve more victories. My expectations are high.”
The Frenchman with his unique combination of size and agility has also delighted his ever-increasing fans with numerous “highlights” – “sometimes it’s art”, he laughs – which have flooded social networks , for example with spectacular defensive actions followed by a furious dunk on offense.
“I don’t want our next season to end so soon,” he warns. “I want to go to the play-offs. We have so many details to improve. We are going to add a new brick every day, to end up having our house,” adds the one who sees himself “on the right path”.
After a little rest, Victor Wembanyama will be able to concentrate on the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 – August 11), he who is all the more anticipated with the Blues – reigning vice-champions – with whom he has so far experienced few selections (four) as seniors.
“It’s my dream to play in the Olympics. When I’m on the floor I’ll give 200%, as I always do with this jersey. But I will also be present with my child’s eyes to appreciate this moment.”
With AFP
