There too, he will open the way: Victor Wembanyama will become the first Frenchman to start an NBA All Star Game. It will be Sunday February 15 in Los Angeles (California). And like last year, for his first selection (he was a substitute), Wemby announced the color: he is not coming to make up the numbers. After the success against Utah (123-110) last night, he gave his thoughts on his motivations at the time of returning to this high mass of the NBA.
The All Star Game is a time of celebration and fun. But Victor Wembanyama remains nostalgic for previous generations where the competitive spirit predominated. It is also to relaunch a meeting that had become nothing more than a training match that the NBA decided to introduce a new format. This year, it will be a selection of American players against the rest of the world.
Wemby intends to remain in the spirit of competition: “More than a victory, it would be the manner that would matter to me,” he declared last night. I hope I can leave my mark on this day. I want to play hard, and influence the greats of this sport to play hard around me. We’ll see how it goes, otherwise we’ll do without them! »
Last year, he had already declared that he did not come there “to chill”. How will the greats of this sport, who above all intend not to get injured and to put an end to a tiring season, take these declarations? Not sure if it is followed by everyone…
The next Frenchman? “Alexander Sarr!” »
The Frenchman from the San Antonio Spurs also spoke at length about the pride that drives him to represent France once again in this prestigious moment. Before him, other French people had participated (Parker, Gobert, Noah), but never as a starter. Wemby learned of his selection while watching TV, with his Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, in a room at the Frost Bank Center, the room where the Texan team plays.
“I didn’t know that the list was going to be made public today,” said the Frenchman. I wasn’t sure my name was there. Even more than being a starter, it is a source of pride to be the first Frenchman to do so. And, as during the Draft where we had a Frenchman the year after me (Editor’s note: Zaccharie Risacher), I hope that it will be the same next year for the All-Star. »
Asked about the Frenchman who could, according to him, join the big All-Star family, Wemby estimated that it is Alexandre Sarr (Washington Wizards) who has the best chance of joining him in this brotherhood.
Mitch Johnson, for his part, confided his happiness in training this basketball player who has just celebrated his 22nd birthday. “Managing to be a starter in the All-Star Game during your career is a major accomplishment,” said the Spurs coach. It was years of work and sacrifice, not only on his part but also from his family that got him there. It’s a very special moment. »
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