We may know that we will be called first and play Spurs, but we still have little butterflies in our stomachs, and even tears in our eyes. This was recognized Victor Wembanyamathe number 1 in the 2023 Draft. He is the first Frenchman to be number 1 in the Draft, and the second European after Andrea Bargnani in 2006. He is also the most anticipated phenomenon since LeBron James in 2003!
“I can’t really describe it. It’s still very fresh.” he confides about his emotions. “It’s one of the best feelings of my life. Without doubt the most beautiful evening of my life. I dreamed about it for so long, and this dream is coming true. It’s incredible. It was the longest five minutes of my life. That’s when I started to feel butterflies in my stomach, and I saw that my family didn’t say anything anymore. Everyone looked at their watch. »
“If I have the opportunity to work with Tim Duncan, I can’t imagine a better role model”
Of course, he got a call from Gregg Popovich, but also from RC Buford. “It was very, very relaxed… They just told me they were waiting for me to train. He just wanted to reassure me as I come out of the playoffs. It was very relaxed”. Was he stressed about talking to Popovich? “It wasn’t intimidating, but I’m sure I’ll be intimidated when I see it in person!” »
In San Antonio, he was warned that he was not going to cut corners, and that suits him very well. “Some players have tried to win the title, to win a ring for years and have not succeeded” reminiscent of “Wemby”. “I don’t want to be one of them. My goal is to get closer and closer to the ring and learn how to win it. Not skipping steps makes sense because it’s easy to make this mistake. I am happy to have people around me who can help me not to make this mistake. If I have the opportunity to work with Tim Duncan, I can’t imagine a better role model. »
“I am really touched by the love that the Spurs fans give me”
The Frenchman has already warned that he wants to play a strong winger in the NBA, with a pivot at his side, and he arrives in the NBA at the very moment when the last two MVPs are pivots: Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
“You’re right, the game has changed somewhat over the past two years. I think it makes sense because it takes a combination of qualities, but also luck and genetics to be the best.” he replies about this trend. “Lately the best players have been insides, and European insides. »
As a kid, Wembanyama already had a Spurs shirt on his back. The circle is complete.
“I was mostly a Tony Parker fan, and that’s what made me, I guess, a Spurs fan” he concludes. “I am truly touched by the love Spurs fans have given me since May 16. I believe there are murals of me in downtown San Antonio. It’s just amazing. I could not have dreamed of a better welcome. I really love this audience. »
