While the preseason matches began this weekend and will continue throughout the week, the attention of the NBA planet will however be directed elsewhere.
At least Tuesday and Thursday, since Victor Wembanyama and the Metropolitans of Boulogne-Levallois will face Scoot Henderson and Team Ignite twice, as part of an American tour broadcast on ESPN. It will be in Henderson, the city where the Ignite play their home matches this season, near Las Vegas.
On paper, these are only two friendly matches, but the stakes are obviously much higher for many observers. Especially for the “scouts”, who are rubbing their hands in advance at the idea of attending the first duels between the two big stars of the 2023 Draft, which have been turning heads for months.
“I know it’s going to be okay”
For the nugget of the Mets, this double confrontation will thus offer a first glimpse of the NBA, its rules, its more open game and its higher tempo than in Europe. A configuration that he certainly does not know, but which does not slow down his ardor for all that. Quite the contrary.
” We’re going to play against an NBA-style team, with NBA rules, on an NBA court. » thus summed up “Wemby”. ” This is really going to be a first for me. I look forward to seeing the results. Anyway, I know it’s going to be fine, but I’m looking forward to it anyway. »
The former ASVEL player does not stop there, and even takes the opportunity to place a small compliment in the direction of Scoot Henderson. A two-way compliment.
” Of all the prospects I know in our promotion, I think he’s my favorite. It is the most reliable. He is really very good. If I hadn’t been born, I think he would deserve to be the first choice.” he slipped, mischievous.
On the American side, the discourse is more moderate. Notably at Scoot Henderson precisely, who refutes this idea of a match within the match between the two young stars, and then minimizes the impact of individual performances. ” Everyone tries to compare us. I don’t see things that way. I think we are just two very good basketball players, each on our side. »
The final word for Ignite coach Jason Hart, ” honored with [jouer Victor Wembanyama] at 18, because at 24 he will be on a whole new level “, while Vincent Collet wants the” prepare for what awaits. »
Victor Wembanyama on the cover of the latest edition of the magazine slam
