Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92 in 2022
No. 1 – San Antonio Spurs
PositionCenter
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (2004-01-04) 4 January 2004 (age 20)
Le Chesnay, France
Listed height7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)[1]
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
NBA draft2023: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
Playing career2019–present
Career history
2019–2021Nanterre 92
2021–2022ASVEL
2022–2023Metropolitans 92
2023–presentSan Antonio Spurs
Career highlights and awards
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  France
FIBA Under-19 World Cup
Silver medal – second place 2021 Latvia Team
FIBA U16 European Championship
Silver medal – second place 2019 Italy Team

Victor Wembanyama (/ˌwɛmbɑːnˈjɑːmɑː/ WEM-bahn-YAH-mah; French: [viktɔʁ wɛmbanjama]; born 4 January 2004), nicknamed "Wemby",[2] is a French professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considered one of the best basketball prospects in a generation, he was selected first overall by the Spurs in the 2023 NBA draft. With a listed height of 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 metres), Wembanyama is tied with Boban Marjanović as the tallest active NBA player.[3]

Wembanyama began his professional career with Nanterre 92 of the LNB Pro A in 2019. Two years later, he moved to ASVEL and won the Pro A title in his only season with the team. In the 2022–23 season, Wembanyama signed with Metropolitans 92 and became the youngest player to win the Pro A MVP award, while earning Pro A Best Defender honors and leading the league in scoring, rebounds and blocks. He was named an LNB All-Star twice, winning the All-Star Game MVP once, and was a three-time Pro A Best Young Player.

Wembanyama also plays for the French national team. At the youth level, he led his team to two silver medals, including at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he set the FIBA record for blocks per game in a single tournament.

Early life and youth career

Wembanyama was born on 4 January 2004, in Le Chesnay, in the Paris region.[4] His father, Félix, is Congolese and was a track and field athlete who competed in the high jump, long jump and triple jump.[5][6][7] Born in Belgium, Félix acquired French nationality by naturalization on 10 February 2003.[8] Victor's mother, Élodie de Fautereau, is a basketball coach and former player. Wembanyama's father and mother are 1.98 metres (6 ft 6 in) and 1.91 metres (6 ft 3 in) tall, respectively.[9] His older sister, Ève, plays basketball professionally, and his younger brother, Oscar, has played basketball and handball at the youth level.[10][11] His grandfather, Michel de Fautereau, played professional basketball, and his grandmother, Marie Christine, also played the sport.[12]

Wembanyama played football as a goalkeeper and practised judo before focusing on basketball.[4] He learned to play basketball from his mother, who was coaching youth teams.[12][13] At age seven, Wembanyama began playing for Entente Le Chesnay Versailles, before joining the youth system of Nanterre 92 at age 10.[12] He drew the attention of Nanterre in 2013 after Michaël Allard, a youth coach for the club, noticed him on the bench at an under-11 game due to his exceptional height, at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), initially mistaking him for a coach.[14] In February 2018, Wembanyama was loaned to FC Barcelona for the Minicopa del Rey, an under-14 tournament in Spain, leading his team to third place.[15] He declined an offer to continue his career with Barcelona, citing that the coaches were not willing to challenge him.[16]

Professional career

Nanterre 92 (2019–2021)

In the 2019–20 season, Wembanyama gained his first professional experience with the Nanterre 92 senior team under head coach Pascal Donnadieu,[14] receiving limited playing time in two games.[17] He primarily competed in LNB Espoirs, the French under-21 league, and also played for the under-18 team.[14][18] Wembanyama made his professional debut on 29 October 2019, playing 31 seconds against Brescia in the EuroCup. At 15 years, nine months and 25 days old, he was the second-youngest player after Stefan Petković to play in the EuroCup.[19] In February 2020, Wembanyama played for Nanterre's under-18 team at the Kaunas qualifying tournament for the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT). On 8 February, he posted 22 points, 15 rebounds and an ANGT-record nine blocks in a win over the under-18 team of Zaragoza.[20] Wembanyama averaged 15.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and six blocks per game in Kaunas, leading the tournament in blocks and earning all-tournament team honours.[21] He finished the Espoirs season averaging 10.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, mostly coming off the bench.[22]

In the 2020–21 season, Wembanyama split time between Nanterre's senior and under-21 teams and signed an agreement to also play for Centre Fédéral in the Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1).[23] On 23 September 2020, he made his LNB Pro A debut, grabbing one rebound in four minutes against JL Bourg.[24] In October, Wembanyama featured in a viral video where he showcased his skills in a two-on-two pick-up game against Rudy Gobert and Vincent Poirier.[25] On 12 December, he suffered a stress fracture in his fibula during an Espoirs game against BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque, with an estimated recovery time of eight weeks. Wembanyama was sidelined from the Valencia qualifying tournament for the ANGT.[26] After missing two and a half months with injury, he began receiving more playing time with the senior team.[27] On 25 May 2021, Wembanyama recorded season-highs of 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 99–87 win over Orléans Loiret.[28] He started in 10 of 18 Pro A appearances, averaging 6.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game,[22] and was named Pro A Best Young Player.[29] In Espoirs, Wembanyama averaged 13.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks, starting in all five of his games.[22] He played four games for Centre Fédéral, averaging 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and three blocks per game.[17] Following the season, he opted to leave Nanterre.[30]

ASVEL (2021–2022)

Wembanyama with ASVEL in 2021

On 29 June 2021, Wembanyama signed a three-year contract with ASVEL of the Pro A and the EuroLeague.[31][32] He was unable to play for one month at the start of the season because of an illness.[33] On 1 October, Wembanyama made his EuroLeague debut, recording one block in three minutes in an 88–76 win over Žalgiris.[34] On 10 November, ASVEL announced that he would miss two to three weeks with a fractured finger.[35] He returned on 2 December, but was sidelined again on 20 December, after suffering a bone bruise in his right shoulder against Zenit Saint Petersburg, with an estimated recovery time of four to six weeks.[36][37] Wembanyama was selected to the LNB All-Star Game, held on 29 December, but was unable to play due to the injury.[38] He made his return on 11 February.[33] On 3 April, Wembanyama recorded a season-high 25 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in an 85–65 win over Le Portel.[39] He scored 18 points, his career high in the EuroLeague, in an 81–80 loss to Olimpia Milano on 7 April.[40] On 3 June, Wembanyama was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a psoas muscle injury he sustained during a Pro A semifinal game against JDA Dijon.[36][41] In his absence, ASVEL won its third consecutive Pro A championship.[42] Wembanyama repeated as Pro A Best Young Player, averaging 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in the league.[43][44] He averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in the EuroLeague and finished second to Rokas Jokubaitis in voting for the EuroLeague Rising Star award.[43][45] After the season, he opted out of his contract with ASVEL,[46] despite promises from club president Tony Parker to build the team around him for the next season.[47]

Metropolitans 92 (2022–2023)

Wembanyama with Metropolitans 92 in 2022

On 4 July 2022, Wembanyama signed a two-year contract with Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A.[48][49] He was drawn to the team due to head coach Vincent Collet's reputation for developing and providing opportunities for young players.[46] In October 2022, Wembanyama gained recognition from American media after two exhibition games against the NBA G League Ignite, featuring projected second overall pick Scoot Henderson, in Las Vegas. The games, which marked Wembanyama's U.S. debut, were nationally televised and attended by over 200 scouts and NBA executives.[50][51] In the first game, on 4 October, he recorded 37 points, five blocks and four rebounds in a 122–115 loss.[52] Wembanyama led his team to a 112–106 win over the Ignite in their second game, scoring 36 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.[53] On 27 October, the NBA announced that it would stream all Metropolitans 92 regular-season and playoff games on its app.[54]

In the 2022–23 Pro A season, Wembanyama emerged as one of the most dominant players in the league.[55] On 4 November 2022, he posted a career-high 33 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 78–69 win over Limoges CSP.[56] On 2 December, Wembanyama recorded his fourth straight 30-point game, with 32 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and three assists in a 96–85 victory over Fos Provence, leading his team to its ninth consecutive win.[57] He was named captain of the France team at the LNB All-Star Game on 29 December.[55] At the All-Star Game, he recorded 27 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, leading his team to 136–128 win over the World team, and became the game's youngest MVP.[58] On 9 January 2023, Wembanyama made a game-winning putback dunk with 3.5 seconds left in regulation and recorded 15 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in an 84–83 win over ASVEL.[59] On 27 January, he recorded 31 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in a 102–84 loss to Chorale Roanne.[60] On 21 April, he declared for the 2023 NBA draft.[61] At the end of the regular season, Wembanyama became the youngest player to win the LNB Pro A MVP Award. He was selected to the All-Pro A First Team and named Best Defender, Best Scorer, Best Young Player and Best Blocker.[62] In the playoffs, Wembanyama led Metropolitans 92 to the Finals, where they were eliminated by AS Monaco in a 3–0 sweep.[63] He finished the season averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, leading the Pro A in each category.[64]

San Antonio Spurs (2023–present)

On 22 June 2023, Wembanyama was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.[65][66][67] He became the first French player to be drafted first overall,[67][68] and only the second European player to achieve this distinction (following Andrea Bargnani in 2006).[68] He became the third #1 overall pick by San Antonio in its history, after David Robinson and Tim Duncan.[65][66]

Wembanyama made his NBA Summer League debut on 7 July against the Charlotte Hornets in front of a sold out crowd. He recorded nine points and eight rebounds but made only two of 13 shots.[69][70][71] In his second summer league game on 9 July, he put up 27 points and 12 rebounds in a 85–80 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The next day, the Spurs announced that he would sit out for the remainder of the 2023 Summer League.[72]

On 25 October, Wembanyama made his NBA regular-season debut putting up 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a 126–119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.[73] His three three-pointers made set a Spurs' single-game team record for a rookie in his debut.[74]

On 2 November, Wembanyama put up a then career-high 38 points alongside 10 rebounds, and two blocks in a 132–121 win over the Phoenix Suns.[75] He joined LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only teenagers in NBA history to put up at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in a game.[76] On 5 November, Wembanyama put up 20 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks in a 123–116 overtime loss to the Toronto Raptors. He became the first Spurs rookie since Tim Duncan to put up 20 points and five blocks in a game.[77] On 18 November, Wembanyama put up 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and eight blocks in a 120–108 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He joined Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the only players in Spurs history to put up at least eight blocks in a game as a rookie.[78]

On 8 December, Wembanyama put up 21 points and 20 rebounds in a 121–112 loss to the Chicago Bulls. He became the youngest player in NBA history to put up at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game at 19 years and 338 days old, surpassing the previous record set by Dwight Howard.[79] On 13 December, Wembanyama put up 30 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks in a 122–119 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.[80] On 17 December, Wembanyama put up 17 points and 13 rebounds in a 146–110 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He also surpassed Dwight Howard's record for the most consecutive games with a double-double by a teenager in NBA history with his eighth double-double.[81] On 28 December, Wembanyama put up 30 points, six rebounds, six assists, and seven blocks in a 118–105 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He also became the first teenager in NBA history to put up at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a game.[82]

On 10 January 2024, Wembanyama put up his first career triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 130–108 win over the Detroit Pistons.[83] On 12 February, he had his second career triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a 122–99 win over the Toronto Raptors. He became the first player to achieve a triple-double via points, rebounds, and blocks since Clint Capela in 2021.[84] He also became the first player in NBA history to put up a 20-point, 10-block triple-double in fewer than 30 minutes played.[85] On 23 February, Wembanyama put up a five-by-five with 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and five blocks in a 123–118 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He became the youngest player in NBA history to record a five-by-five and did so in 30 minutes, the fewest minutes played in NBA history to achieve such a feat.[86] On 3 March, Wembanyama put up 31 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, six blocks, and one steal in a 117–105 win over the Indiana Pacers. He became the first rookie in NBA history to have back-to-back games of at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. He also joined Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the only rookies in NBA history to put up at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a game.[87] On 15 March, Wembanyama put up 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three blocks in a 117–106 loss to the Denver Nuggets. He joined Raef LaFrentz as the only players in NBA history to put up 200+ blocks and make 100+ three-pointers in a season. He also became the first rookie since Tim Duncan to put up at least 200 blocks in a season.[88] On 29 March, Wembanyama put up a career-high 40 points along with 20 rebounds and seven assists in a 130–126 overtime win over the New York Knicks.[89] Wembanyama finished the season as the first player in NBA history to put up at least 1,500 points, 250 blocks, and 100 made three-pointers in a season.[90]At 3.6 blocks per game, he also became the youngest player to lead the NBA in blocks for a season at 20 years, 101 days (on April 14, 2024).[91][92]

National team career

Junior national team

Wembanyama represented France at the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship in Udine, Italy. In an 80–78 quarterfinal win over Croatia, he recorded 12 points, 21 rebounds and eight blocks.[93] He averaged nine points, 9.6 rebounds and a tournament-leading 5.3 blocks per game, leading France to a silver medal and earning all-tournament team honours.[94]

He then competed at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia. Wembanyama averaged 14 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.7 blocks per game, and was named to the all-tournament team after leading France to the silver medal. He recorded 22 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks in an 83–81 loss to the United States in the final.[95] Wembanyama set the FIBA record for blocks per game in a single tournament.[96]

Senior national team

Wembanyama was on the preliminary 17-man roster of the French national team for EuroBasket 2022, but was ruled out a month ahead, due to an injury he suffered at the end of the 2021–22 season.[97] He was selected again for the World Cup qualifiers in November.[98] In his debut with the senior team, on 11 November 2022, he scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a 90–65 win over Lithuania.[99]

Player profile

"Everybody has been a unicorn over the last few years, but he's more like an alien. No one has ever seen anyone as tall as he is but as fluid and as graceful as he is out on the floor. At (his size), his ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers out of the post, step-back threes, catch-and-shoot threes and block shots. He's for sure a generational talent."

— LeBron James on Wembanyama in October 2022, after his debut in the United States against the NBA G League Ignite[100]

Wembanyama is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA prospects in a generation;[101] many publications called him the most anticipated newcomer to the league since LeBron James in 2003.[9][102][103][104] He emerged as one of Europe's top prospects at age 14 and was viewed by analysts as a potential first overall pick in his draft class by age 16.[105][106] During his final season before becoming eligible for the 2023 NBA draft, he was the consensus number-one pick in draft projections.[107] NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league would pay "particular attention" to tanking for the 2023 draft, due to the possibility of acquiring a "once-in-a-generation player" in the draft.[108]

Measured at 7 feet 3+1⁄2 inches (2.22 m) bare foot,[109] with an estimated 8-foot (2.4 m) wingspan,[22][107] Wembanyama entered the NBA as one of the league's tallest players,[110] although his height has raised questions about his durability.[111] He often plays on the perimeter and has exceptional mobility and skills for his size, with the ability to handle and shoot the ball like a guard.[112] Wembanyama is a capable three-point shooter and his jump shot is difficult to block because of his length.[113][114] He is a productive scorer in the paint, with soft touch, a variety of post moves, and excels in the pick and roll.[113] Defensively, he is an outstanding shot-blocker due to his length and anticipation,[115] and his fluidity allows him to guard smaller players.[116] His thin frame and lack of strength have been labelled as weaknesses and encourage opponents to use a physical style of play against him.[104] For this reason, he can struggle to box out while rebounding and to defend post-ups.[117][115][118]

Although some analysts have noted the unprecedented nature of his game,[119] others have compared Wembanyama to Wilt Chamberlain[120] and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.[114] ESPN draft analyst Mike Schmitz compared his defensive impact to Rudy Gobert and his shooting potential to Kristaps Porziņģis, albeit with better ball-handling and passing skills.[121] John Hollinger of The Athletic described his game as a combination of Ralph Sampson, Porziņģis and Dirk Nowitzki.[122] Wembanyama models parts of his game after Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.[123]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 *  Led the league

NBA

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2023–24 San Antonio 71 71 29.7 .465 .325 .796 10.6 3.9 1.2 3.6* 21.4
Career 71 71 29.7 .465 .325 .796 10.6 3.9 1.2 3.6 21.4

EuroLeague

Victor Wembanyama EuroLeague statistics
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG PIR
2021–22[124] ASVEL 13 10 17.5 .348 .303 .667 3.8 .5 .4 1.9 6.5 5.5
Career 13 10 17.5 .348 .303 .667 3.8 .5 .4 1.9 6.5 5.5

Off the court

Wembanyama sitting courtside at an NBA game in Paris in 2023

Wembanyama is represented by agent Bouna Ndiaye of Comsport. His family has a longtime relationship with Ndiaye, whose son was coached by Wembanyama's mother from an early age. Ndiaye advised Wembanyama by the time he was 15 years old and signed him as a client in 2022.[125]

Wembanyama was a year ahead for his age in school and attended lycée in agreement with Nanterre 92. He earned his baccalauréat with honours, specialising in earth and life sciences and social and economic sciences.[14][126] Besides his native French, he speaks English fluently, having learned it himself beginning in middle school by watching videos from American accounts on Instagram and English-language television shows.[104][127] His hobbies include indulging in science fiction such as Star Wars, art, and literature.[104][128] His favorite musical artist is the rapper Alpha Wann.[129]

While in Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, Wembanyama and his personal security team were involved in an 'incident' with pop singer Britney Spears.[130] Spears had approached Wembanyama in Vegas and tapped him on the back, leading to Wembanyama's security to strike Spears in the face;[131] no charges were filed after the incident.[132]

The jersey that Wembanyama wore in his debut game was sold at Sotheby's for a record price for newcomers of $762,000.[133]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs". NBA.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2023.
  2. ^ Williams, Randall (5 January 2024). "Victor Wembanyama Sets Course to Become a Basketball Billionaire Unlike Any Other". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Victor Wembanyama and tallest players in the NBA right now". NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  4. ^ a b Merrell, Chloe (17 October 2022). "Top things you should know about Victor Wembanyama". International Olympic Committee. Archived from the original on 16 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  5. ^ Ngabo, Gilbert (4 January 2023). "'He is more like an alien.' Why some NBA fans are urging their team to tank for Victor Wembanyama". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  6. ^ "Victor Wembanyama, 'Wembamania' sweep France with two years until Paris Olympics". NBC Sports. 26 October 2022. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  7. ^ Hein, David (5 May 2022). "Wembanyama's limits? The sky's not high enough!". FIBA | FIBA.basketball. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  8. ^ "JORF n° 0035 du 11 février 2003". legifrance.gouv.fr. Légifrance. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  9. ^ a b Baldi, Ryan (6 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama: the 7ft 4in 'once-in-a-millennium' prodigy coming to the NBA". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  10. ^ Pugmire, Jerome (21 October 2022). "French teen prodigy Victor Wembanyama thrills Paris crowd". apnews.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  11. ^ "Victor Wembanyama, ASVEL: 'I'm trying to have fun'". euroleaguebasketball.net. EuroLeague. 31 January 2022. Archived from the original on 31 January 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  12. ^ a b c Giberné, Pascal (3 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama is the French Cheat Code Coming to Shake Up the NBA". Slam. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  13. ^ Spears, Marc J. (4 October 2022). "Inside the rise of Victor Wembanyama: 'When I saw him, I knew he was just special'". Andscape.com. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d Jaquin, Alexandre (20 November 2019). "15 ans, 2m18, des mains en or: Wembanyama, la promesse du basket français". rmcsport.bfmtv.com (in French). RMC Sport. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  15. ^ "El pívot francés de 2.08 m. y 14 años que probó con el Barça en la Minicopa se queda en el Nanterre". kiaenzona.com (in Spanish). KIA en Zona. 25 February 2018. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  16. ^ "Victor Wembanyama explains why he rejected FC Barcelona offer". Basketnews.com. 28 December 2022. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  17. ^ a b "Victor Wembanyama Player Profile, Boulogne-Levallois". RealGM. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  18. ^ "Nanterre : Victor Wembanyama dans le groupe professionnel contre Orléans" (in French). BeBasket. 26 October 2019. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  19. ^ Lupo, Nicola (29 October 2019). "Nanterre: il 15enne Victor Wembanyama fa il suo debutto in EuroCup contro Brescia". Sportando (in Italian). Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  20. ^ "Victor Wembanyama, 16, has historic ANGT performance". Eurohoops. 8 February 2020. Archived from the original on 22 June 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  21. ^ Hein, David (9 February 2020). "Tubelis takes home MVP as Rytas takes first place". Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  22. ^ a b c d "Victor Wembanyama" (in French). Ligue nationale de basket. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  23. ^ Bosi, Kévin (10 September 2020). "Victor Wembanyama évoluera aussi au Pôle France" (in French). French Federation of Basketball. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  24. ^ Rutard, Sacha (24 September 2020). "Le chiffre: Victor Wembanyama, 16 ans, 8 mois et 20 jours" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
  25. ^ Faucha, Fernando (22 October 2020). "Victor Wembanyama, el gigante francés que tiene loca a la NBA". Diario AS (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  26. ^ "Victor Wembanyama (Nanterre), blessé au péroné, sera absent huit semaines". L'Équipe (in French). 16 December 2020. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  27. ^ Carton, Clément (30 April 2021). "Victor Wembanyama, le prospect le plus intrigant du monde selon ESPN" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 13 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  28. ^ Brouet, Christophe (25 May 2021). "Victor Wembanyama sort un très gros match : premier double-double" (in French). Basket-Infos. Archived from the original on 26 May 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  29. ^ Rutard, Sacha (14 June 2021). "Jeep Elite : Victor Wembanyama (Nanterre) élu Meilleur Jeune" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  30. ^ Pruneta, Laurent (18 June 2021). "Basket : le phénomène Victor Wembanyama quitte Nanterre". Le Parisien (in French). Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  31. ^ "Victor Wembanyama chose LDLC ASVEL !!!" (in French). ASVEL Basket. 29 June 2021. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  32. ^ "ASVEL signs potential 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama". Eurohoops. 29 June 2021. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  33. ^ a b Rutard, Sacha (11 February 2022). "Victor Wembanyama (ASVEL) : « Je veux être sûr, à chaque fois, de revenir meilleur »" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  34. ^ Askounis, Johnny (1 October 2021). "Elie Okobo lights up Zalgiris, sends ASVEL to a convincing win". Eurohoops. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  35. ^ Pantel-Jouve, Gabriel (10 November 2021). "ASVEL : Victor Wembanyama arrêté pour 2 à 3 semaines, un poste 3 attendu" (in French). BeBasket. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  36. ^ a b O'Donnell, Ricky (3 August 2022). "Victor Wembanyama's injury history is the only thing that can stop him as a top NBA Draft prospect". SB Nation. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  37. ^ "ASVEL lose another player to injury: Victor Wembanyama at least one month out". Basketnews. 20 December 2021. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  38. ^ Carton, Clément (20 December 2021). "Blessé à l'épaule, Victor Wembanyama va manquer le All-Star Game LNB" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  39. ^ "Victor Wembanyama delivers career-best 25 points in ASVEL's win". Eurohoops. 3 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  40. ^ "Milan survives ASVEL in a thriller, 80-81". EuroLeague. 7 April 2022. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  41. ^ "Victor Wembanyama done for the season". Eurohoops. 3 June 2022. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  42. ^ Lecomte, Arnaud (27 June 2022). "Après la finale de Betclic Élite, l'été sera mouvementé pour l'Asvel et Monaco". L'Équipe (in French). Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  43. ^ a b Ohnona, Yann (28 June 2022). "Victor Wembanyama va quitter l'Asvel". L'Équipe (in French). Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  44. ^ Philippe, Jeremy (19 May 2022). "Victor Wembanyama named best young player in Betclic Elite regular season". Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  45. ^ "Rokas Jokubaitis wins the Rising Star Trophy". Eurohoops. 11 May 2022. Archived from the original on 14 January 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2023.
  46. ^ a b Givony, Jonathan (30 June 2022). "Victor Wembanyama, No. 1 NBA draft prospect in 2023, changing teams in France, sources say". ESPN. Archived from the original on 16 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  47. ^ "Victor Wembanyama reportedly leaving ASVEL". Eurohoops. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  48. ^ "Victor Wembanya signe avec les Metropolitans 92 !" (in French). Metropolitans 92. 4 July 2022. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  49. ^ Zachari, Antigoni (4 July 2022). "Victor Wembanyama joins Metropolitans 92 with a two-year deal". Eurohoops. Archived from the original on 4 July 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  50. ^ Golliver, Ben (5 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama, basketball's next big thing, knows no bounds". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  51. ^ Aldridge, David (19 October 2022). "Season of Wembanyama begins, and the hype hasn't stopped: What NBA execs are saying". The Athletic. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  52. ^ Zilgitt, Jeff (5 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama, top 2023 NBA draft prospect, scores 37 points in exhibition loss to G League Ignite". USA Today. Archived from the original on 30 March 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  53. ^ Helin, Kurt (6 October 2022). "Wembanyama encore: 36 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks against Ignite". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  54. ^ Herbert, James (27 October 2022). "How to watch Victor Wembanyama: NBA announces it will stream Metropolitans 92 games on app". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  55. ^ a b Peek, Krysten (7 December 2022). "Victor Wembanyama continues to dominate French league Betclic Élite ahead of 2023 NBA draft". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  56. ^ "Wembanyama scored a career-high 33 points in sixth straight win". Eurohoops. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  57. ^ Ricks, William E. (2 December 2022). "Victor Wembanyama notches fourth-straight 30-point game". ESPN. Archived from the original on 26 December 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  58. ^ "Victor Wembanyama wins MVP in French league All-Star game". ESPN. Associated Press. 30 December 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  59. ^ "NBA draft prospect Wembanyama throws down game-winning putback dunk in latest win". ESPN. 9 January 2023. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  60. ^ "Roanne spoils Wembanyama's 31-point effort". Eurohoops. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  61. ^ Givony, Jonathan (21 April 2023). "Projected top pick Victor Wembanyama officially declares for NBA draft". ESPN. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  62. ^ "Victor Wembanyama becomes the youngest LNB MVP ever". Eurohoops. 17 May 2023. Archived from the original on 18 May 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  63. ^ Owens, Jason (15 June 2023). "Victor Wembanyama's French career with Metropolitans 92 concludes with 3-0 LNB Finals loss to Monaco". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  64. ^ Peek, Krysten (20 June 2023). "NBA Draft: Here's what's next for Victor Wembanyama now that his French pro career is over". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on 29 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  65. ^ a b Mahoney, Brian (22 June 2023). "Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in NBA Draft". NBA.com. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 30 June 2023. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  66. ^ a b Ganguli, Tania; Nerkar, Santul (23 June 2023). "Victor Wembanyama Drafted No. 1 Overall by San Antonio Spurs". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  67. ^ a b "Victor Wembanyama sélectionné par les San Antonio Spurs avec le 1er choix de la draft NBA". L'Équipe (in French). 22 June 2023. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  68. ^ a b Fumagalli, Davide (23 June 2023). "Wembanyama n.1 del Draft 2023 per gli Spurs, Charlotte alla 2 preferisce Miller a Henderson. Le 30 scelte del primo giro". Eurosport (in Italian). Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  69. ^ "Wemby admits to learning curve in 9-point debut". ESPN.com. 8 July 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  70. ^ "Victor Wembanyama NBA Summer League debut: A must-see event with a forgettable start". FOX Sports. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  71. ^ "Victor Wembanyama's Summer League debut was not amazing, but great origin stories rarely are". CBSSports.com. 8 July 2023. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  72. ^ Bontemps, Tim (10 July 2023). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama to sit remainder of summer league". ESPN. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  73. ^ Villas, Rexwell (25 October 2023). "'F**king amazing': Luka Doncic F-bomb slips after Dereck Lively II's epic Mavs debut vs. Spurs". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  74. ^ Pagaduan, Jedd (25 October 2023). "Victor Wembanyama's eye-popping debut sets new NBA, Spurs records". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  75. ^ Guzman, Matt (3 November 2023). "Victor Wembanyama Scores Career-High, San Antonio Spurs Sweep Phoenix Suns On Road". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  76. ^ Pagaduan, Jedd (2 November 2023). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama joins LeBron, KD in elite company with historic feat". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  77. ^ Stone, Jackson (5 November 2023). "Spurs: Victor Wembanyama replicates Tim Duncan rookie feat in shock loss vs. Raptors". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  78. ^ Sampson, Peter (18 November 2023). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama's block party vs. Grizzlies puts him in Tim Duncan, David Robinson club". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 19 November 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  79. ^ Ledesma, Hector (8 December 2023). "Spurs: 3 takeaways from franchise-record tying 16th straight loss". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  80. ^ Guzman, Matt (13 December 2023). "Anthony Davis, Victor Wembanyama Duke It Out As Los Angeles Lakers Survive San Antonio Spurs' Late Comeback Bid". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  81. ^ Ledesma, Hector (17 December 2023). "Victor Wembanyama continues to set records despite Spurs' 19th loss in last 20 games". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 18 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  82. ^ Ledesma, Hector (30 December 2023). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama reveals what was so 'important' about win over Scoot Henderson, Blazers". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 29 December 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  83. ^ Pagaduan, Jedd (10 January 2024). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama avoids Giannis-like drama after historic triple-double". ClutchPoints. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  84. ^ "Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama posts rare triple-double with blocked shots". Associated Press. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024 – via NBA.com.
  85. ^ Smith, Christopher (12 February 2024). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama rearranges NBA history with mind-blowing feat vs Raptors". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  86. ^ Corvo, Michael (24 February 2024). "Lakers' LeBron James heaps praise on Gregg Popovich after historic Victor Wembanyama outing". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  87. ^ Villas, Rexwell (3 March 2024). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama becomes 1st ever to complete feat with unreal stats vs Pacers". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  88. ^ Yasis, Nathan (15 March 2024). "Spurs' Victor Wembanyama reaches two epic feats only done once in NBA history". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  89. ^ Barnes, Randall (29 March 2024). "Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson's insane 101 combined points has fans in disbelief". ClutchPoints. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  90. ^ Casselberry, Ian (14 April 2024). "How Victor Wembanyama's rookie season ranks in NBA history". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  91. ^ Fritts, Eric (6 January 2024). "Victor Wembanyama could become youngest player to lead NBA in blocks". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  92. ^ Kalland, Robby (22 April 2024). "NBA Players Voted Victor Wembanyama As The Best Defender In The League". Dime Magazine. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  93. ^ Rutard, Sacha (14 August 2019). "Euro U16: Propulsée par un phénoménal Victor Wembanyama (37 d'évaluation), la France se hisse en demi-finale" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  94. ^ "France at the FIBA U16 European Championship 2019". FIBA. Archived from the original on 2 November 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
  95. ^ "Chet Holmgren takes home TISSOT MVP award after helping USA to U19 World Cup title". FIBA. 11 July 2021. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  96. ^ Rutard, Sacha (17 July 2021). "Victor Wembanyama a battu, à la Coupe du Monde U19, le record de contres pour un évènement FIBA !" (in French). Basket Europe. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  97. ^ Taylor, Cody (30 July 2022). "France's Victor Wembanyama ruled out of EuroBasket 2022 due to injury". The Rookie Wire. Archived from the original on 30 July 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  98. ^ "Victor Wembanyama to join France for World Cup qualifiers". ESPN. Associated Press. 7 October 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  99. ^ "Victor Wembanyama debut: 20-point near double-double against Lithuania". Basketnews. 11 November 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  100. ^ Taylor, Cody (6 October 2022). "LeBron James praises Victor Wembanyama: 'He is more like an alien'". Rookie Wire. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  101. ^ Boone, Kyle (16 November 2022). "Wemby Watch: Victor Wembanyama reaches new heights, but just how tall is the top prospect in the NBA Draft?". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  102. ^ Zagoria, Adam (6 October 2022). "18-Year-Old Frenchman Victor Wembanyama Being Hailed As The 'Single Greatest Prospect In NBA History'". Forbes. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  103. ^ Greer, Jordan; Irving, Kyle; McGregor, Gilbert (3 October 2022). "Fact or fiction: Victor Wembanyama is the best NBA Draft prospect since LeBron James". Sporting News. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  104. ^ a b c d Ganguli, Tania (16 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama Has Always Done Things Differently". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 June 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  105. ^ Schmitz, Mike (8 April 2018). "NBA draft: Scouting Doncic and a potential young unicorn prospect". ESPN. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  106. ^ Schmitz, Mike (12 February 2020). "Victor Wembanyama is one of the best long-term NBA prospects in the world". ESPN. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  107. ^ a b Helin, Kurt (6 October 2022). "LeBron says Wembanyama is an 'alien' and a 'generational talent'". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  108. ^ Holmes, Baxter (22 October 2022). "Adam Silver says NBA monitoring 'serious' tanking issue, sources say". ESPN. Archived from the original on 4 November 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  109. ^ "How tall is Victor Wembanyama? A mystery solved". San Antonio Express-News. 27 June 2023. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  110. ^ Grabar, Henry (24 October 2022). "I Watched the NBA's Best Prospect Since LeBron James Play Live in France. Wow". Slate. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  111. ^ Deeks, Mark (31 October 2022). "The Diminishing Returns Of Victor Wembanyama's Height". Forbes. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  112. ^ Daniels, Tim (7 October 2022). "Victor Wembanyama Praised as 'League-Altering Talent' After Showcase, NBA Exec Says". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  113. ^ a b "The Fourteen Percent: Chasing Wembanyama". Sports Illustrated. 15 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  114. ^ a b O'Connor, Kevin (7 October 2022). "Is the NBA Ready for Victor Wembanyama?". The Ringer. Archived from the original on 2 June 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  115. ^ a b Rissotto, Ignacio (7 December 2022). "The Map of Victor Wembanyama: Rim Protection". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  116. ^ Jensen, Morten Stig (31 July 2022). "France's Victor Wembanyama Is An All-Time NBA Draft Prospect". Forbes. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  117. ^ Kline, Christopher (19 December 2022). "2023 NBA Draft scouting report: Victor Wembanyama". FanSided. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  118. ^ Rissotto, Ignacio (31 December 2022). "The Map of Victor Wembanyama: Catch-and-Finish Scoring". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  119. ^ Aldridge, David (24 January 2024). "Aldridge: Spurs are far from contending, but Wemby's defense is on a rapid ascent". The Athletic. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  120. ^ Smith, Corbin (22 June 2023). "Why the NBA Is Losing Its Mind Over Victor Wembanyama". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 2 July 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  121. ^ Crain, Nick (19 October 2020). "2023 NBA Draft Prospect Victor Wembanyama Impresses Against Rudy Gobert". Slam. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  122. ^ Hollinger, John (7 October 2022). "The Wembanyama Effect: How the buzz about Victor will influence NBA tanking and front office thinking this season". The Athletic. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  123. ^ Chavkin, Daniel (11 November 2022). "Victor Wembanyama Addresses Durant, Giannis Comparisons". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2023.
  124. ^ "Victor Wembanyama". EuroLeague. Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  125. ^ Mullen, Liz (9 January 2023). "Labor and Agents: French Connection: How agent for projected top NBA Draft pick built his practice". Sports Business Journal. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  126. ^ Bertrande, Arnaud (22 October 2021). "Victor Wembanyama (ASVEL) : « Je dois devenir un joueur dominant »". Le Quotidien du Sport (in French). Archived from the original on 11 May 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  127. ^ "7 Interesting Facts about Top NBA Draft Prospect Victor Wembanyama". Biography. 21 June 2023. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  128. ^ Guzman, Matt (10 June 2023). "'A Renaissance Man': Victor Wembanyama Is More Than Just a Basketball Star". Sports Illustrated Inside The Spurs, Analysis and More. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  129. ^ Mangot, Benjamin (22 June 2023). "Victor Wembanyama fait découvrir Alpha Wann aux Américains". Konbini - Musique, cinéma, sport, food, news : le meilleur de la pop culture (in French). Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  130. ^ Sadd, Nardine (7 July 2023). "No charges will be filed in Britney Spears-Victor Wembanyama incident in Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  131. ^ "Footage of Britney Spears' altercation with Victor Wembanyama's security emerges". The Independent. 9 July 2023. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  132. ^ "No charges to be filed after Victor Wembanyama-Britney Spears incident in Las Vegas hotel". CBSSports.com. 7 July 2023. Archived from the original on 11 July 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  133. ^ Hajducky, Dan (21 November 2023). "Victor Wembanyama's NBA debut jersey sells for record price". ESPN. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.

External links

  • Career statistics and player information from NBA.com  and Basketball-Reference.com 
  • NBA.com Draft profile
  • LNB profile
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Victor_Wembanyama&oldid=1220876755"