” We had never seen a player like that. He’s a really talented player.”. Like everyone else, Jason Hart was conquered by Victor Wembanyama. The G-League Ignite coach has more than 300 NBA appearances and was an NCAA assistant, and he recognizes the Frenchman as a real phenomenon. A “unicorn”.
Very, very, very expected, the Frenchman responded with his 37 points, and he also impressed with his leadership. At 18, it was he who took matters into his own hands when his team was trailing by 22 points, including shooting 3-pointers.
” It had to be done because the team needed it. She needed the players to raise their level of play » he explained at a press conference. ” We were trailing by 22 points and closing such a gap is difficult. You have to take responsibility and 3-pointers are worth more than 2-pointers. I did what had to be done, with 3-pointers on the counter-attack. We had to score as soon as possible. »
“I had never played in such a long match”
Overall, what does he remember from this first match in the United States in such a particular, even unique, context, with a French team which is organizing a mini tour in the middle of the championship?
” The first thing I remember is that I had never played in such a long match: 48 minutes. I usually play 40 minutes. Over such a long period, we have time to do so many things. When I returned to the bench, I was totally focused on me because we have time. We have time to score, we have time to make stops. It was a very good experience, a great experience. I can’t wait to relive that. I know we’ll be playing again in two days, and probably for the rest of my life. I have the time… »
Focused on his match, and disappointed by the defeat, he didn’t take the time to go see or chat with the NBA stars. He saw that Chris Paul and Devin Booker were near his bench, but that didn’t affect his performance. He assured that he was there to help his team win, and not to do a “one-man show” or to win his duel from a distance with Scooter Henderson. Besides, what did he think of the G-League Ignite star?
” As I expected, he is a difficult player to defend. I think the most important element of his game is his aggression. Every time he has the ball in his hand… It’s something you feel on the pitch. It can be permanently dangerous. He can go to the circle, he can shoot… He’s a great player”.
