“It’s almost two different sports” • USA Basketball

In front of a gathering of patient journalists, who had doubled the number of previous editions of the “media day”, Victor Wembanyama held a session. Taking time to reflect on his answers, the 2024 Rookie Of The Year elaborated on his dream-turned-goal of an Olympic medal. Even more so at home.

The Spurs pivot especially expressed his desire to shine in the tricolor jersey, within a team with great defensive potential, alongside another intimidator, Rudy Gobert, four times best defender in the NBA.

“The level of involvement is just incredible”

Victor, do you realize that you are going to compete in the Olympic Games, at home, as the figurehead of the French team, all this at only 20 years old?

The Olympics have been a dream of mine since the first time I saw them on TV, I don’t remember which edition it was. And then, as my career progressed, it became a goal. It’s definitely something extraordinary, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world.

Do you think it will take some time to adapt to return to the FIBA ​​rules and game, and to a smaller field?

It’s definitely different. They’re almost two different sports. Personally, I still prefer the NBA game, even though I don’t have much experience yet. I still have a lot of things to discover… including international competitions. I wouldn’t say it’s easier to score in the NBA, even though there are easier things. They are two very different contexts.

You will probably play with Rudy Gobert on the field, how do you think this completely new duo can work?

The goal is to bring something new. Our goals have never been achieved in the past so we must find a way to achieve them. I’m very excited, looking forward to sharing the field with all my teammates, especially Rudy. We talk about it a lot with the staff, with the players. I think we are on the same wavelength, I appreciate that there is good synergy between us. We share the same project, the same ambition, even if we have not yet started training with the group.

Is last year’s failure still lingering in your mind? What is the state of mind of the group?

I wasn’t part of the French team last year so I can’t talk about it. But from what I see this year, everyone is dreaming of these Olympic Games, everyone is in the starting blocks, ready to set foot on the field from the friendly matches with intensity. The level of involvement is just incredible, the concentration, the intensity too. The objectives for this summer are not just words, but also actions, from the players and the staff. Everything starts with a dream and knowing that we have the possibility of achieving it. The French team finished with the silver medal at the last Olympics, it wasn’t far off at all. But all the guys are generous, there’s nothing unhealthy, even the training partners want to be able to say that they have contributed.

“It’s the strength that counts, the state of form”

Did you discuss the Olympics with Gregg Popovich, who won the gold medal in Tokyo?

He didn’t talk to me directly about it [il hésite]. No, not really the Olympics. Let’s say more international basketball in general. But in truth, he told me that it could bring me things that will help me in my career.

Do you agree that the marathon NBA season is the hardest for a rookie trying to adapt?

The hardest part is exactly that, it’s the sequence of matches. But not so much physically as mentally. The most difficult thing is often to motivate yourself mentally, to be totally involved in each match. There are evenings when it’s complicated but we also get used to it.

Physically, you seem in great shape, even more robust?

I’ve gained a little weight, it’s true, but that’s not the most important thing, it’s strength that counts, fitness.

Stephon Castle, the Spurs’ draft pick last night, said you guys had a little chat, what do you think about him coming to San Antonio?

I am very happy with this selection, he was in my opinion one of the most NBA Ready players of this Draft, and a very good person too. You know how much attention is paid to it at Spurs.

Comments collected at INSEP

How to read the stats? GM = Games Played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots Made / Shots Attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers Attempted; LF = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted; Off = Offensive Rebound; Def = Defensive Rebound; Tot = Total Rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal Fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose Balls; Ct: Blocks; Pts = Points.