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Everywhere you look on sports Twitter, there’s Victor Wembanyama news. The mega-prospect finally has been drafted in the NBA, as he went number one overall to the San Antonio Spurs last week.
The 7-foot-4 forward is maybe the most unique prospect to ever come in the league. Yes, you’re not supposed to say “most unique” but it applies here. He can dribble, pass, and shoot. He can run the floor and block shots, as well as switch onto smaller and quicker players on the perimeter. He is truly a unicorn.
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Victor Wembanyama is supposed to make his Spurs debut on July 3 in the Sacramento Summer League, and will be participated in the Las Vegas Summer League as well. But, there were questions whether he would play in the FIBA World Cup this summer with France. According to ESPN, he’s made his decision.
No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama has decided not to play for France in this summer’s FIBA World Cup and instead will focus on preparing for his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs and next year’s Paris Olympics.
This is a reversal from Wembanyama’s previously stated plans for the summer and a blow to the French, the current Olympic silver medalists who are planning to be a serious contender for the world title this August and September in Manila, Philippines.
It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health,” Wembanyama said in announcing his decision to French newspaper L’Equipe. “I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”
Wembanyama said in the interview the Spurs would have supported whatever decision he made and he came to this choice himself after consulting with his personal medical staff. Part of the choice, Wembanyama told L’Equipe, was the volume of games he is planning to play over a two-year stretch.
That’s a big blow to France, but a big break for Team USA.