The San Antonio Spurs made it official on Thursday when they selected Frenchman Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Wembanyama is the first French player selected No. 1 overall in NBA Draft history; in addition, he joins David Robinson and Tim Duncan as the only top overall picks in Spurs franchise history.
“I can’t really describe it. It’s still fresh,” Wembanyama said about being selected number one in the draft. “One of the best feelings of my life. Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible.”
The 7-3 forward, who has all the skills, has the city of San Antonio excited. Many fans showed up at AT&T Center to celebrate the selection. Wembanyama had a message for the San Antonio faithful.
“My message to them is I’m going to give 100 percent, make all that’s in my power to make this franchise win, to have impact on the franchise and the fan base and the community,” he said.
Wembanyama most recently played with French-club Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Pro A French League during the 2022-23 season, where he helped lead the team to the LNB Pro A Finals and a 23-11 regular season record. In 34 regular season games with Mets 92, he averaged 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks in 32.3 minutes.
The 19-year-old will be coached by the guy who has the most wins in NBA history, Gregg Popovich. When asked if he’s excited or intimidated by Pop, Wembanyama had this to say:
“He’s not intimidating yet, but I’m sure he’s going to get intimidating when I see him in real life.”
Wembanyama has all the makings to be a star; he’s athletic; he can shoot and handle. Everything! He has generational skills and talent. Like Duncan, Robinson, Ginobili, and his fellow Frenchman Tony Parker, he could lead the Spurs to another title.
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