By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
AS Monaco is the 2022-23 French League champion. Finals MVP Jordan Loyd and Jaron Blossongame scored 22 points apiece, as La Roca team beat Victor Wembanyama’s Boulogne-Metropolitans 85 – 92 on the road to sweep the series 3-0 and win the title for the first time in club history.
Wembanyama had 22 points and seven rebounds in his last game in Europe and one week before he attends the 2023 NBA Draft in Chicago to be selected first by the San Antonio Spurs. TaShawn Thomas scored 20 points while Bilal Coulibaly, another NBA prospect, dropped eight points.
The Mets actually led 81 – 79 with five minutes to play but Monaco had the final say. Elie Okobo put his team ahead and Loyd hit a big triple for the 85 – 88 with 55 seconds remaining as the Monegasque side retained their lead to celebrate the title.
A historic night at Roland Garros
It was a historic game for Wembanyama and French basketball, which was held in Roland Garros tennis stadium, converted to a basketball court with a capacity of 15.000 fans.
The usual venue of the Mets, the Arena Marcel Cerdan Sports Palace, has a 4.000 seats capacity.
Fans sang “Merci, Wemby” as the hugely popular Wembanyama waved and clapped at them.
“I’m sorry for the fans who love to see a show,” Wembanyama said on live television after the game. “Of course, I’m proud of what I’ve managed to do along with my coach Vincent Collet, in bringing the team to the finals. But I’m not satisfied.”
Sacramento Kings‘ governor Vivek Ranadive was among the spectators with former King Chima Moneke playing for Monaco.
Good to see you boss!!! pic.twitter.com/dN60DBCb4L
— Chima Moneke (@Chimdogg_) June 15, 2023
However, Ranadive was also there for Wembanyama’s teammate Bilal Coulibaly who has also declared for the NBA draft.
Speaking also to French television, Ranadive said that Wembanyama is “amazing” but that “I’m also excited about Bilal. Young guy, lot of skills, so French basketball is in great shape.”