Victor Wembanyama is one of the attractions at the Olympic Games. In his first major tournament with France, he wants to cause a sensation in front of his own fans. The team is likely to cause major problems for some opponents. Check out the French
Victor Wembanyama has had a sensational first NBA season. So it’s hardly surprising that the Frenchman was named Rookie of the Year by the San Antonio Spurs. An average of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.6 blocks are simply outstanding figures from the 19-year-old.
The fact is: what Wembanyama showed last season has never been seen before from any other player. “Wemby” delivered highlights game after game, knew how to carry the fans in San Antonio along despite the overall dismal state (only 22 wins, 14th place in the West). Just seeing his wingspan is incredible
And now the youngster’s first major tournament with the national team is on the agenda. At home in Paris, the French naturally want to win a medal. The group with outsiders Brazil and Japan as well as world champions Germany is feasible, with first or second place firmly on the cards. But what can we expect from the French? A one-man show from Wembanyama?
Lots of length under the baskets
Perhaps to some extent, but certainly not all. The Equipe Tricolore’s greatest strength lies under the basket. With Wembanyama (2.24 meters) and Rudy Gobert (2.16) from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the French have two real “twin towers” in their ranks. So not many will be able to keep up with France under the baskets. In addition, Mathias Lessort from Panathinaikos joins them at the center position, who does not quite have the length of the other two, but is equipped with very good athleticism.
But back to Wembanyama and Gobert. If both are on the pitch at the same time, it will be extremely difficult for the opponents. “Wemby” is an extremely flexible player who will naturally be in demand time and again with his length under the basket. But the man from the Spurs also has a very soft wrist and absolutely has the fadeaway or the three-pointer in his repertoire.
Gobert likes it classic
Gobert is a completely different story. The man from the Wolves is more of a classic center, throwing the ball is not really part of his game. Gobert makes blocks, rebounds, feels more comfortable near the basket – so much so that he was voted Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in 2024 after 2018, 2019 and 2021; Wembanyama came in second place, by the way.
France’s quality in the center position was impressively demonstrated to the German team in the first test match. The world champions clearly lost 66:90. A glance at the boxscore speaks volumes: Wembanyama excelled with 25 points, Lessort (15 points) and Gobert (13 points, seven rebounds) also had a strong game. The DBB giants were able to return the favor in the second test, but were missing their opponents’ best player, “Wemby.”
Lots of experience in the French ranks
Although the big men are clearly France’s strength, it is by no means the case that the Olympic hosts have nothing else to offer. Above all, France has experience. Evan Fournier (31, Detroit Pistons) and Nicolas Batum (35, LA Clippers) are experienced warriors and have many years in the NBA behind them. They are joined by Nando de Colo, who at 37 has left his mark in the Euroleague in particular.
In Frank Ntilikina (currently with Partizan), the hosts have a point guard in their ranks who has played in the NBA for a number of years but failed to make his big breakthrough. The 25-year-old undoubtedly has talent. Guerschon Yabusele from Real Madrid, who at 2.04 meters and 123 kilograms brings enormous physicality and is very difficult to defend, is also part of the squad