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NBA's Next Big Thing

Updated: Nov 24, 2023

What it is with the 2023 NBA's first overall pick? This year's winner of the draft lottery's top prize is considered one of the greatest basketball prospects of his generation and ''the most exciting since LeBron James''!


Imagine the tallest skyscraper riding smoothly on a railroad track across cities.


Now you can picture the young 7'4'' player who ''defends like a big man and scores like a guard'' which will without a doubt put some pressure on any player of the big league and will definitely be missed by his former teammates of the Mets 92, a French professional basketball club that is based in Levallois-Perret, in the Paris metropolitan area. The club currently plays in the LNB Pro A, the highest-tier level in French basketball.


His name? Victor Wembanyama. The now international superstar marks history by becoming the 1st player from France to be first overall pick at NBA draft.


Photo: Thomas S.


It is safe to say that, at only 19 years, Victor Wembanyama (from France/Congo DRC) is already feared by his opponents and the season should reveal his full potential among the greats. ''Wembanyama can handle the ball, create shots for himself and his teammates, shoot threes from anywhere, hit stepbacks and throw down highlight-reel dunks. "Kevin Durant crossed with Rudy Gobert," is how the Ringer's Kevin O'Connor described him, implying Wembanyama is a mix between one of the most unstoppable scorers in NBA history and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.''




You can bet the San Antonio Spurs will benefit from their new protégé this season!






Lebron James called him ''alien'' because of his physical frame, Steph Curry compared him to a ''NBA 2K created-a-player with cheat codes'' and Kevin Durant, who might be considered the inspiration for Wembanyama's game, called the teenager "inspiring." But what else do we know about the ''Young Congo Tower''?

 



10 interesting facts about Victor Wembanyama (NBA 1st Pick 2023)



Discovery and Early Career:

  • Discovered during an U11 game in Versailles, catching the eye of coach Michael Allard.

  • Initially mistaken for a coach, Allard's curiosity led to Wembanyama's scouting.


Personal Background:

  • Born on January 4, 2004, in Le Chesnay, France.

  • Started playing basketball under his mother's guidance after trying football and judo.

  • His father, Félix W. was a track and field athlete and is mother, Elodie de Fautereau, is a basketball coach and former player.


Basketball Dynasty:

  • Siblings Eve and Oscar are also involved in basketball, continuing the family's athletic legacy.


Recent Career Moves:

  • Signed a three-year contract with ASVEL but later opted to join Metropolitans 92 before before being selected 1st in the 2023 NBA draft.


Recognition by NBA Players:

  • Caught the attention of NBA players like Nicolas Batum at age 14, leading to immediate recognition.


Great expectations:

  • Anticipation surrounding Wembanyama's potential with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023-24 NBA season, with high expectations.


Unique Physical Attributes:

  • Stands at 2.19m (7'4") with an 8-foot wingspan.


Source: CBC The Buzzer / IOC


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