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Victor Wembanyama is one of the greatest basketball talents in decades and after leading France to a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, his stock can only grow higher.
Who is Victor Wembanyama?
Victor Wembanyama is a French professional basketball player who plays for the San Antonio Spurs after he was selected with the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
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Victor Wembanyama; Age, place of birth
He was born on January 4, 2004, in Le Chesnay, France. Victor is known for his elegant style of play and extraordinary height, standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.23 meters).
Wembanyama was interested in sports from an early age, first concentrating on basketball before taking up judo and football (soccer).
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Victor Wembanyama's introduction to sports came naturally, given his parents' athletic backgrounds. His mother, Elodie de Fautereau, was a standout basketball player for the French national team before transitioning into youth coaching, while his father, Félix Wembanyama, excelled in track and field events like the long jump and triple jump. Both parents had competed internationally in their respective sports.
Wembanyama began his basketball journey at age seven with the local team Entente Le Chesnay-Versailles (ELCV). Notably, he often played in age divisions above his own, showcasing his talent among older peers. At 10, he joined Nanterre's youth squad, where he developed a versatile skill set, mastering traditional guard skills like shooting, passing, and on-ball defense.
This period marked a pivotal moment in Wembanyama's career, as he began to envision a future as a professional basketball player. He took initiative to learn English, recognizing its importance in the NBA, by watching TV shows and online videos. This self-directed approach foreshadowed his dedication to reaching the pinnacle of his sport.
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Victor Wembanyama career before NBA
At the age of 14, Wembanyama moved out of his family's house and into the dormitory for the Nanterre squad, where he lived and trained while attending a neighbouring high school. He made his professional debut in 2019 at the age of 15, playing briefly for Nanterre's senior team in the European professional basketball competition EuroCup, which won the competition.
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Wembanyama distinguished himself on both ends of the floor in the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament the next year as a 16-year-old playing for Nanterre's U18 squad, leading his team to a second-place finish.
Wembanyama moved from Nanterre to ASVEL Basket for the 2021–2022 season. ASVEL Basket competed in the top-tier men's French Pro A League (Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A), which is owned by French–American former NBA great Tony Parker. Wembanyama and the French national team competed in the finals against the United States at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup, the world basketball youth championship.
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Wembanyama distinguished himself for his exceptional defensive effort, setting a FIBA record for blocked shots in a single tournament (5.7 blocks per game), despite being two years younger than the next youngest player on the field. In 2020–21, he received the Pro A Best Young Player of the Year award.
Wembanyama caught the attention of American scouts after reaching his full height of 7 feet 4 inches and a wingspan of 8 feet (2.44 meters), and he was predicted to be the first choice in the 2023 NBA draft. Wembanyama departed ASVEL in search of a squad that would place a higher priority on his personal development after a season marked by a lack of playing time and further handicapped by injuries.
At 14, Victor Wembanyama made the bold decision to leave his family's home and live in the Nanterre squad's dormitory, balancing training with attending a nearby high school. This dedication paid off when he made his professional debut at just 15, playing for Nanterre's senior team in the EuroCup, a European professional basketball competition.
As a 16-year-old, Wembanyama showcased his skills in the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament, leading Nanterre's U18 squad to a second-place finish. His impressive performance caught the attention of top teams, leading to a move to ASVEL Basket for the 2021-2022 season. ASVEL, owned by NBA legend Tony Parker, competes in France's top-tier Pro A League.
Wembanyama's rise to prominence continued with the French national team at the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup. Despite being two years younger than most competitors, he set a FIBA record for blocked shots in a single tournament (5.7 per game). This exceptional defensive effort earned him the Pro A Best Young Player of the Year award in 2020-21.
Reaching his full height of 7 feet 4 inches and boasting an impressive 8-foot wingspan, Wembanyama became a hot prospect for American scouts. Predicted to be the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft, he sought a new team that would prioritize his development after a season with ASVEL was marked by limited playing time and injuries.
Victor Wembanyama Playing Style
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Victor Wembanyama's 2023–24 season stats and his distinctive playing style make him a standout talent in basketball. Statistically, he averages 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 43.0% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range. He's also a proficient free-throw shooter, hitting 80.6% from the line. Physically, Wembanyama stands at 7'4" and weighs 210 pounds, playing as a forward for the San Antonio Spurs.
His playing style is marked by exceptional defensive skills, with a notable ability to block and alter shots thanks to his height and wingspan. Offensively, he's versatile, capable of scoring both inside the paint and from beyond the arc. His ball-handling and mobility are impressive for his size, and his high basketball IQ shines in his game reading and decision-making. As a rebounder and passer, he's effective, and his potential for further growth and skill refinement makes him a particularly intriguing player in the basketball world.
Victor Wembanyama NetWorth
Victor Wembanyama's journey in the world of basketball is still in its early stages, but his potential is immense. While his current net worth may not be publicly known, it's safe to assume that his earnings will grow significantly as he progresses in his career.
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With his exceptional talent, towering stature, and the global appeal of basketball, Wembanyama is on the journey to become one of the sport's brightest stars and a financially successful athlete in the years to come.
Basketball fans around the world will be eagerly watching his career unfold, and his net worth will undoubtedly reflect his success on and off the court.
Victor Wembanyama first season in NBA
Victor Wembanyama's inaugural NBA season was nothing short of phenomenal. The 20-year-old sensation solidified his status as a superstar, shattering records and defying expectations. Here are just a few highlights from his remarkable rookie campaign:
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- Unanimous Rookie of the Year, joining an elite group of just seven players to achieve this feat
- First rookie ever to make the All-Defensive First Team, finishing second for Defensive Player of the Year
- Youngest player to record a 5x5 game
- Tenth player in NBA history to average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks
- Fourth player to reach 1,500 points, 250 assists, and 250 blocks in a season
Wembanyama's historic first year instantly places him among the likes of Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the best San Antonio Spurs rookie of all time. He not only dominated on the court but also won over the fan base with his community involvement and charming personality.
What's most alarming for the rest of the NBA is that Wembanyama continued to improve throughout the season. Once he transitioned to center full-time, his offensive game exploded, showcasing his versatility as a passing big man, capable of handling the ball in pick-and-rolls and operating as an offensive hub. He possesses a rare combination of skills, including:
- Stretching the floor with his shooting range
- Taking players off the dribble
- Scoring in the low block
- Switching onto quicker ball-handlers defensively
- Protecting the rim with elite proficiency
With a contract extension of 3 years, $43 million remaining, the sky is truly the limit for Victor Wembanyama.
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