Victor Wembanyama is ready. First the premiere season in the NBA, then the Olympics in his own country. The basketball expectations for the 19-year-old are gigantic
France’s super talent Victor Wembanyama has pledged a start at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. “To play big at the Olympics would be a great story. I will be there at the Olympics and there is no other goal than gold,” Wembanyama told French media on Tuesday. The 19-year-old is about to make his NBA debut after being drafted at number one overall by the San Antonio Spurs in this summer’s draft.
Wembanyama therefore decided against starting at the World Cup in Asia. “The World Cup was very disappointing. But I don’t have to judge that because I wasn’t there,” said the 2.19-metre centre, who is considered the biggest promise in the NBA since LeBron James. The French were considered a title contender and were eliminated in the preliminary round. At the Olympics, the preliminary round will first be played in Lille, and with Wembanyama, France is considered a clear medal contender.
With King, Curry & Co.? USA bring the big stars
The USA are likely to bring a star-studded team to France after finishing fourth at the World Cup and a semi-final defeat to world champions Germany, who also qualified. According to reports, in addition to superstar James, professionals such as Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are also considering taking part. The German team around captain Dennis Schröder is likely to rely on the core of the world champion team at the tournament (27 July to 11 August).