Victor Wembanyama is preparing to take to the Paris court this Thursday with the San Antonio Spurs, in front of a won over audience, having made the jump from the French league to the world stage.
At just 21 years old and measuring 2.21m (7ft 3in), the pivot played for Metropolitans 92 on the outskirts of the French capital a year and a half ago, before being selected first place in of the NBA draft, thus propelling him towards a career of international stature.
For his second season in the big American league, he returned home as a Spurs player, recognized as one of the rising stars of the season, with two regular season games against the Indiana Pacers.
The French giant is also participating in the American league’s efforts to expand its influence beyond borders, as basketball experiences rapid growth in France.
Since returning to French soil, “Wemby” has visited his former teammates, inaugurated an outdoor basketball court in his hometown of Le Chesnay, on the outskirts of Paris, and was the guest of honor at a parade of fashion organized by LVMH.
Wembanyama expressed a sense of reassurance on Wednesday as he returned to the Arena Bercy, where he helped give France a silver medal at the August Olympics after losing to the United States in the final.
“I feel a different energy,” he said at a press conference. “It’s great to be back here. It’s a place that is close to my heart.”
“Overall, I haven’t wandered around Paris much. I haven’t had the chance to find out for myself yet.”
“But yes, it’s different from last time. We know it’s a different audience. Fans who wait their whole lives, all year, for the chance to see an NBA game. So it’s something else.”
The games in Paris, the second taking place on Saturday, attracted spectators from 53 countries, reflecting the enthusiasm for Wembanyama, who is averaging 24.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season.
-Chris Paul, the 12-time All-Star guard brought in this season to bolster a young and promising Spurs team, described his experience playing alongside Wembanyama as a revelation.
“Vic is so unique. Everyone expects him to dunk because of his size, but that’s not his style at all,” said the 39-year-old.
“He knows how to dribble, pass, shoot, he does a little bit of everything. That’s why playing with him is so enjoyable.”
As a rookie, Wembanyama generated 1.3 billion views on NBA social media, becoming the fastest player to reach one billion views.
Currently, he ranks third among the most viewed NBA players globally on social media, with 735 million views, just behind LeBron James and Steph Curry.
After the match in Paris this Thursday, he will find out if he is among the starters for this year’s All-Star game. If he is not retained in the starting five, however, he is almost assured of a place on the bench.
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Takeaways
- Wembanyama has traveled an impressive path from his time in the French league to the NBA, witnessing a meteoric rise.
- His return to Paris marks a symbolic moment, interacting with fans from various countries and celebrating the growing enthusiasm for basketball in France.
- His current regular season performance is one to watch, with high expectations for on-field contributions.
- Wembanyama’s role in the NBA’s international expansion exemplifies the sport’s global connectivity.
The rise of Victor Wembanyama raises questions about the future of basketball in France and the impact players like him can have on the sport’s popularity in the country. Would it be possible to see more French talents emerge on the world stage in the coming years?
- Source image(s) : themercury.com
- Source : https://themercury.com/news/national/wembanyama-returns-to-paris-for-nba-games-as-a-global-star/article_f7088299-a7f8-5796-b41c-a42d581ef53c.html
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