As Victor Wembanyama gears up to join the San Antonio Spurs for their journey to France, where they will face the indiana Pacers in two “NBA Paris Games” (scheduled for January 23 and 25 at the Accor Arena), the rising star of French basketball took a moment to connect with the French media in Texas. Wembanyama expressed his excitement about playing these high-profile matches on home soil and his eagerness to reconnect with the French audience post-Olympics. The JDD was there to capture his thoughts.
The JDD: How significant is it for you to compete in two regular-season games in Paris? Did you anticipate the NBA scheduling the Spurs for this event so soon?
Victor Wembanyama: I always knew this opportunity would come eventually, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly. When you first enter the NBA, your focus is elsewhere. playing in Paris feels surreal! Many French players never get this chance. I’m determined to prove that the Spurs should make Paris an annual destination.
“It’s tempting to get swept up in the excitement”
What are your goals for these two games? Do you treat them differently? Is there added pressure?
Treating these games as anything other than regular matchups would be risky. I don’t need to push myself to feel energized or motivated—it’s already there. While it’s tempting to get swept up in the excitement, I’m focusing on what the team requires to succeed.
Are you eager to reconnect with the French audience after the olympic Games this past summer?
I’ll draw strength from the positive energy the crowd offers and aim to give back in return. I hope to keep my emotions in check, unlike my last game in France.
What kind of reception are you anticipating?
I don’t need to set expectations—I no it will be positive. I’m not worried about that. I just hope it’s less overwhelming than some of the experiences I’ve had in the U.S.Honestly, security seems more concerned than I am!
