It was near the Pablo-Picasso district of Nanterre, a town where he grew up and became a professional, that Victor Wembanyama appeared this Saturday, in the company of his compatriots Bilal Coulibaly and Dominique Malonga, the new recruits of Jordan Brand.
The opportunity for “Wemby” to unveil, during this event organized by its equipment supplier Nike, the new jersey what will theEquipped with France during the Olympic Games. Without failing, either, to share with us his excitement one month before the gathering of the Blues which will kick off the deadline “ Paris 2024 » (July 26 – August 11).
Victor Wembanyama with the new French team jersey for the 2024 Olympics.
Very serious. pic.twitter.com/tftIXhMJdg
— Florian Benfaïd (@FlorianBenfaid) May 18, 2024
The new standard bearer of French basketball
You are back in France and we imagine that this is something that gives you pleasure? Especially since you can measure the new dimension you have taken here…
Of course, but what pleases me the most is this energy that emerges around sport and basketball in particular. The fact that [les fans] shout my name, it's a bonus, [ça permet] to know that I am helping to create such enthusiasm. But what I love most is really seeing joy gathered around something I love.
What is your program until the gathering on June 17?
My program will be to train in San Antonio while waiting to return to the French team. That's all I'm already thinking about.
A word on the Olympic deadline at home, which is fast approaching? You who want to take French basketball to the top…
I've been dreaming of it for a very long time. It's going to be a lot of fun. […] It means a lot to me. Sportingly of course, but also to show the French public, and young people in particular, the importance that basketball can take on in France in the years to come. In my vision of things, there is as much to do on the field as off it.
“We are going to play with a team profile that will be different from anything the French team has known in the past”
You are precisely present in Vincent Collet’s extended list…
I am very happy to be part of it. It will be an honor to, I hope, be able to share the field with those who have already been able to experience several international campaigns.
What are your discussions with the coach? On the construction of the team's game, for example.
The discussions took place very early, to connect and not just start working [lors du rassemblement]. Let's say that what I find and I appreciate is that we all have ambition in terms of results and game plan. We know that we are going to play with a team profile that will be different from anything the French Team has known in the past, so we will have to innovate and Vincent knows it. On the other hand, I did not participate in the creation of the team or the game plan, but I know that Vincent will involve me from the first training session.
What does this status of new boss of the Blues, which is intended for you, inspire you?
It makes me impatient, even if I don't think that's my label. I come to learn from some of the best players in the history of the French team and I have no doubt that the responsibilities on the pitch will be realistic and [viendront d’elles-mêmes]. I know that we want to use all our weapons and that my teammates will be ready to give me as much responsibility as necessary. But I'm not coming to be the boss of those who have five, six or seven international campaigns under their belts.
Comments collected in Nanterre
| Victor Wembanyama | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 71 | 30 | 46.5 | 32.5 | 79.6 | 2.3 | 8.4 | 10.6 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 21.4 |
| Total | 71 | 30 | 46.5 | 32.5 | 79.6 | 2.3 | 8.4 | 10.6 | 3.9 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 21.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
