The announcement that Victor Wembanyama will be the first overall choice in the 2023 NBA Draft sent shockwaves through the basketball community. This French prodigy, who stands an incredible 7’4″, has drawn the interest of both scouts and fans with his exceptional abilities and versatility on the court.
Wembanyama’s height is astounding; he inspires awe almost as much as Andre the Giant did during his professional wrestling days. Nonetheless, tall athletes of different builds have always been present in the NBA.
Victor Wembanyama talks with new HC Gregg Popovich
When Gregg Popovich called Victor Wembanyama after the Spurs selected him first overall at the NBA Draft on Thursday at the Barclays Center, Victor was beaming. “What’s up, coach?” in a brief video uploaded by the Spurs, Wembanyama stated with a smile after receiving the call.
"I'm ready to learn, man…I'm ready to learn."
Victor Wembanyama takes a call from his new head coach, Gregg Popovich. (via @spurs)#NBADraft presented by State Farm on ABC/ESPNpic.twitter.com/jzC8HPnS51
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2023
The projected NBA star appeared to be struggling to keep it together during the chat and briefly displayed some of his French before telling Popovich, “I can’t wait.” and “I’m ready to learn, man, I’m ready to learn.”
He will work with one of the league’s top sets of coaches for an athlete’s overall development at the San Antonio Spurs. Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s longest-serving coach, will be his boss. There seem to be all the necessary measures in place for this relationship to succeed.
Is Victor Wembanyama the most promising young player since LeBron James?
This year’s most sought-after NBA prospect is Victor Wembanyama because of both his skill and size, which might be useful on the court. He has been likened to many NBA players since being scouted, including LeBron James, who was also the subject of extensive media coverage and fanfare prior to being selected for the league.
Wemby has been referred to as the “greatest prospect since LeBron,” which in itself is a great endorsement for any amateur athlete. In high school, “The L-Train” had games that were televised nationally and also massively scouted.
Victor Wembanyama named LeBron James as a player he looking forward to playing against in the NBA.https://t.co/UpP8yiZt6L pic.twitter.com/cEOU7T1BtW
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 22, 2023
The hoopla surrounding James was immense, and the Frenchman has seen a similar level of attention. Wembanyama very well admitted during his appearance as a guest on a podcast that despite being compared to “The GOAT”, he doesn’t feel any pressure.
“No, I don’t feel any pressure on my shoulders. I think the reason is because I try to live free, I’m sort of like free-minded at all times. The way I play, is just the way I truly want to play and I’ve wanted to play my whole life,” he stated.
On the constant comparisons to LeBron, Wemby said; “It’s not like a reward when they say that.” After averaging 21.6 points and 10.4 rebounds, he was named MVP. In addition to winning the MVP, Victor Wembanyama was also recognized as the young player, best scorer, best blocker, and best defender.
Victor Wembanyama official jersey for Spurs revealed
The top pick in the NBA draft for 2023 was Victor Wembanyama. He will now hold the top spot on the San Antonio Spurs. Since Lonnie Walker IV wore the jersey during the 2021–22 season, he will be the first Spurs player to wear the digit. Last season, Wembanyama, who was wearing No. 1, dominated the French league with 21.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
Because of this, some Barclays Center attendees on Thursday had personalized Spurs jerseys ready for him to sign before the draft even started. Many supporters of the San Antonio Spurs wasted no time in embracing their gleaming new youngster Victor Wembanyama and headed straight to the fan shop to fill up on gear.
The 7-foot-4 Frenchman, who has been called a once-in-a-lifetime potential, dazzled scouts while playing abroad, and it wasn’t a surprise when he was selected with the first choice by the Spurs. Following the selection of Victor Wembanyama, spectators could be seen in a queue extending through the arena and around the corner to the team store to get their hands on the merch.
Do you think this signing is overhyped? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
