By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Victor Wembanyama enjoyed his return to the French national team so much that saying goodbye proved harder than he expected.
Speaking to French newspaper “L’Équipe” and AFP after France’s 84-69 road win over Sweden, the San Antonio Spurs star reflected on his first international window since the Paris Olympics and the emotions of leaving his teammates.
“Yes, there’s a lot of frustration. I didn’t expect to feel this frustrated, but seeing these guys I’ve known for such a long time feels so good. It’s going to be strange not being with them anymore,” Wembanyama said. “It had been a long time since I last played for France. I was in a different role then, too. I think I’ve grown older since then, believe it or not. I’ve come back appreciating the good things.”
The experience left him with fond memories, both on and off the court.
“It was great. I made progress in different areas. It allowed me to spend quite a bit of time in France and Europe, so that was really great. We had a fantastic group; you couldn’t ask for better. The coaching staff too. It will remain a great memory.”
France had to work for its victory in Sweden, struggling from beyond the arc and sitting at just 3-of-26 at one stage. Asked about those shooting problems, Wembanyama initially saw the funny side.
“Poor shooting, yes, but I was 1-for-1,” he said with a laugh.
He then accepted some responsibility for the team’s offensive difficulties.
“I think it just shows how young we are as a group and that we’re still trying to find our way. There was quite a bit of confusion in what we were doing, and some of that was my fault, because I was doing certain things without necessarily letting my teammates know or putting them in the best positions. We talked at halftime, and things improved. This is only the beginning. These are guys who are used to making shots and weren’t very accurate today. It happens, and things can only get better.”
Despite his reluctance to leave the national team, Wembanyama is eager to return to San Antonio.
“That doesn’t change the fact that I’m still very excited to get back to San Antonio and get back to work. There’s nowhere like it to work on your game.”
Maintaining his connection with France during the NBA season is also firmly on his agenda.
“We need to stay connected, follow my teammates’ results and stay in touch with the coach. That shouldn’t be too difficult.”
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