Victor Wembanyama It was confirmed with the Eiffel Tower in the background that he is the future against the world’s leading power. The final of the proud host France required the best Wemby, impressive in defence until now but somewhat unsuccessful in attack. And, displaying personality in his 20 years, The San Antonio Spurs star not only fulfilled his 26 pointsbut also put Team USA in doubt at the end with a triple that put France only three points behind (79-82) with 3 minutes to play.
Stephen Curry He dispelled any illusions in the air with his four triples. But the French unicorn, despite his tears, earned the right to send a message to the United States and the world:
“I’m learning and I’m worried about the opponents in a couple of years. NBA, FIBA, everywhere,” the center told Basketnews.
Wemby complemented his high scoring with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, with an efficient 11/19 in field goals and 3/8 in three-pointers. Although he needs to improve his shooting – 42% in field goals and 29% in these Games – the 2.24m center leaves Paris with good averages, with 16 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 steals and almost 2 blocks in 30 minutes of play.
He Rookie of the Year The NBA wanted to highlight France’s silver medal, the second in a row after also losing the final against Team USA in Tokyo 2020.
“We are going to enjoy the moment, it is fantastic, I am proud of my teammates. I am proud of what we have done here in France in front of our fans. I am going to let myself go and realise what is happening,” Wemby said.
As an image of the future and star of a different country USAWembanyama is one of the most authoritative voices to give an opinion on how the rest of the world is closing the gap with the first power. In these Games, a Dream Team like this Team USA is considered to have been on the verge of falling for the first time. Serbia had a great opportunity in the semi-finals but Curry and the refereeing saved the American team (95-91) and France also had its chances in the final.
“It’s definitely a slow process. Of course, Europe is catching up a bit and, as I said, it’s not guaranteed. Nobody knows what’s going to happen and what’s certain is that we’re growing. Basketball is growing here,” Wemby said.
Despite his impact, Victor Wembanyama is just the tip of the iceberg of the talented generation of French players that is coming up behind, with other youngsters in the NBA like Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards) -present at these Games-, and another number 1 of the French draft this year, Zaccharie Risacherborn in Malaga and drafted by the Atlanta Hawks.
Two other French prospects have entered the top-10 of the draft, chosen Alex Sarr by the Wizards at number 2 and Tidjaune Salaun by the Hornets in the 6th. The world has reason to fear Wemby and France.
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