Victor Wembanyama continues to demonstrate with facts that he is the present and the future of basketball worldwide, and not only in the NBA, but especially on the international stage. The final of the proud host France at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games against the United States national team, required the best Wemby, impressive in defense so far, but somewhat erratic on the offensive side.
And, showing personality at 20 years old, the star of the The San Antonio Spurs contributed a total of 26 points in their favor, and in addition to that, they were a key piece in putting the United States team against the wall with a triple that put France within just 3 points of the difference, 79-82, with only 3 minutes left in the last quarter of the game.
However, it was time for the base of the Golden State WarriorsStephen Curry, who, with 4 consecutive three-pointers scored, was able to completely dissolve and completely extinguish the flame of hope and determination that France had kept burning until then. The Gallic unicorn, still with tears in his eyes from that defeat, earned the right to send a warning, a very clear and forceful message to the United States and the entire basketball world.
“I’m learning and I’m worried about the opponents in a couple years. NBA, FIBA, everywhere,” the center said in statements to the Basketnews website.
Wemby in Paris 2024 by numbers
Wemby complemented his contribution in the offensive part of the game with a total of 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, with a fairly efficient 11/19 in field goals and 3/8 in long-distance shots. The 2.24-meter-tall inside player culminated his silver medal participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with averages of 16 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2 steals and almost 2 blocks in 30 minutes of play.
The NBA Rookie of the Year gave a lot of value and raised the bar for what was the silver medal won, the second in a row after also losing the final against Team USA in Tokyo 2020. “We are going to enjoy the moment, it is fantastic, I am proud of my teammates. I am proud of what we have done here in France in front of our fans. I am going to let myself go and realise what is happening,” said Wemby.
As an image of the future and star of a country different from the United States United, Wembanyama is a player who has earned the right to be able to speak out, even against a national team of the stature, level and tradition of the United States. At these Olympic Games, a Dream Team like Team USA came very close to failing to achieve its goal of winning the gold medal. Serbia had a great chance in the semi-finals, but once again the figure of Stephen Curry and LeBron James were able to save the American team (95-91) and France also had its chances in the final.
“It is definitely a slow process. Of course, Europe is slowing down. “We are still catching up a bit and, as I said, it is not guaranteed. Nobody knows what will happen and what is certain is that we are growing. Basketball is growing here,” Wemby said.
France has a great future, especially in the NBA
Despite his impact, Victor Wembanyama is just the tip of the iceberg of the talented generation of French players coming up behind, with names that will surely be added to the French national team, such as Bilal Coulibaly (Wizards), who is present at these Games, and another number 1 in the French draft this year, Zaccharie Risacher, born in Malaga, Spain and drafted by the Atlanta Hawks.
Two other French prospects have entered the top 10 of the NBA draft, Selected Alex Sarr by the Washington Wizards at number 2 and Tidjaune Salaun by the Charlotte Hornets at number 6. The world has reason to fear Wemby and France in the very near future
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