By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Victor Wembanyama addressed the media at AccorArena in Paris ahead of France’s World Cup Qualifier against Slovenia, offering an extensive look at his new responsibilities with the national team.
After facing Nikola Jokic and Serbia twice during preparations, France will now meet a Slovenian side without Luka Doncic. Beyond the upcoming game, Wembanyama spoke about his role as captain, France’s long-term project and the desire to win a first World Cup title in the country’s history.
Wembanyama took several difficult shots late in France’s two preparation games against Serbia, but explained that those decisions came from his responsibility as a player rather than his new status as captain.
“Those weren’t initiatives I took as captain, but as a player with responsibilities. These are things you have to try because it had been a long time since we had played. It is the best way to find out what works and what doesn’t. It was a way of shaking off the rust, in a sense,” Wembanyama said per BasketUSA.
He previously mentioned the adjustment required when returning to the FIBA ball and stressed that the issue was not limited to players arriving from the NBA.
“The adjustment isn’t only for NBA players. It is also true for EuroLeague players and those from the French league. The FIBA ball isn’t popular with players at all. That is the best way to summarize it.”
Slovenia will arrive in Paris without Doncic. Although Wembanyama admitted he would have liked to face the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, he insisted that his absence would not change France’s approach.
“That is the kind of thing people generally talk about, but it isn’t the mindset we have right now — or the mindset we ever have. I don’t ask myself whether it is better or worse. You have to take the games as they are and the rosters as they are. That is the reality. It is true that I’m a little disappointed Luka won’t be there, but I’ll have another opportunity to face him later in my career.”
As France’s new captain, Wembanyama does not intend to rush his development as a leader.
“It isn’t an issue for me because I have confidence in who I am and what I can bring to a group, both from a sporting perspective and in terms of philosophy. With the French national team, we are talking about a project measured in decades. It develops over time, and I think it is important not to skip any steps. The objective is to move closer every day to becoming the captain I want to be.”
Wembanyama has frequently spoken about his desire to make history, and he believes that ambition must first be reflected through trophies with France.
“The fans, the federation and the players — everybody wants titles, so that comes before everything else. French basketball can continue to grow because it has enormous potential, whether we are talking about the senior national teams, the youth teams or player development. It is a long-term project, and I fully intend to have an impact on it.”
The next World Cup holds particular importance for Wembanyama because France has never won the competition and because it offers a path toward the Olympic Games.
“It is important because it is an international competition we have never won. Even if we had already won it, I would want to win it again! Quite simply, it is also important because it serves as a qualifier for the Olympics.”
Another member of France’s promising frontcourt is Maxime Raynaud, with whom Wembanyama shares a relationship dating back to their early teenage years.
“I don’t usually answer questions about opponents, but because it is Maxime, whom I like very much, I’ll do it,” Wembanyama said with a smile. “We have known each other forever. We first played against each other when we were probably 13. At that time, he was just another opponent. When we were 16, we spent several months training and playing together. That was when he became one of my best friends. It has been a pleasure to follow his progress, first in college and now in the NBA. I’m very happy that he is here with the national team.”
Wembanyama has also spent time at power forward alongside Gobert. The partnership has placed him in some unfamiliar situations, but he believes it could become an important weapon for France.
“The major differences between the two positions are fairly obvious. The power forward position is a little more passive, although that depends on the type of player and the personnel around him. Of course, I enjoy playing with Rudy and alongside a big man of his defensive caliber. It puts me in situations that are unusual for me, such as throwing lobs. I don’t do that very often, but I love doing it.It is something we need to continue experimenting with because we are going to need it in the years ahead.”
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