By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A few hours after competing in France’s Betclic Elite LNB Pro A and well after midnight, Victor Wembanyama opted to push back sleep. NBA Draft Lottery was on and presumably deciding which team will select him with the first overall pick of the 2023 draft.
“I’m gonna make everything to win as many games as I can. I’m trying to win a ring ASAP, so be ready,” he told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reacting to the San Antonio Spurs capturing first-selection rights.
His family, teammates, coaches from Metropolitans 92, friends, French celebrities, and more attended the watch party supporting Wemby on an early step toward an NBA career. The actual NBA draft will be held on 22 June. Representing France in the 2023 FIBA World Cup will likely be the final preview before displaying his unique talents in the NBA during the 2023-24 season.
Tony Parker and Boris Diaw highlight the list of previous French players in San Antonio. The connection strengthens with Wembanyama widely expected to be the first pick of the 2023 draft.
“There’s a special relation between France and the Spurs,” confirmed the 19-year-old upstart, “The whole country wanted the Spurs to have the first pick. So, I was looking at everyone and everyone was happy. I was too.”
Helping his side rank second on the final standings of the LNB Pro A Regular Season, Wembanyama led the league in points (21.6 per game), rebounds (10.5 per game), blocks (3.1 per game), and evaluation (26.2 per game). Moving to the Playoffs, the Mets will face seventh-seeded Cholet in the Quarterfinals.
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