The season of the San Antonio Spurs, the new “Wemby” franchise, begins on October 25 with a Texas derby against Dallas.
Three weeks before the resumption of the NBA, prodigy Victor Wembanyama spoke on Monday, October 2, during the media day of the San Antonio Spurs, his new franchise. “I don’t know if I can talk about specific expectations, I want to learn to win as quickly as possible”assured the 19-year-old Frenchman.
Qualified “extraterrestrial” by star LeBron James, “Wemby” arouses immense expectations after being chosen No. 1 in the NBA draft in June by the Texan franchise. “I am one of the least experienced players, I have a lot to learn, above all I am happy to be here”he noted.
“It’s still crazy, sometimes I realize that I’m in the NBA, that I play for the Spurs. It’s a little unreal, but it’s normal, it’s still freshexplained the Frenchman. I’m going to discover these things that I saw on television. The stadiums, the atmospheres… […] I know I’m making memories that will last forever.”
Between 4 and 7 kilos more
An immense player (2.24m according to the NBA, 2.21m according to him) with unique agility for his size, Wembanyama sweated it out in the weight room this summer and took “between 4 and 7 kilos”without distorting its slender silhouette. “I don’t want to go too fast.”he continued. “I am in the best physical condition of my life. I have learned more about my body in three months than in the previous five years, thanks to numerous tests.” He knows he is expected by his opponents who will not fail to play “physical”. “After what I experienced last year (in the French Championship), nothing scares me anymore”he evacuated.
Asked about a possible leadership role in the team, “Wemby” replied that “these things will come naturally”. “For me the best way to be a leader is to set an example on the groundhe developed. It starts with defending well.”
Dubbed by Gregg Popovich
“He adapted brilliantly, praised his coach Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker’s former mentor. He is very mature for his age. He’s cerebral, he’s very intelligent, and he’s a good guy. He had no problem when he arrived to gain the respect of his teammates, understand his environment and his new responsibilities.
The challenge is great for Wembanyama, since the Spurs have not played in the play-offs since 2019 and only won 22 games last season (60 defeats). They will start their season on October 25 with a Texas derby against the Dallas Mavericks.