Victor Wembanyama’s Unpleasant News for Fans

In order to safeguard his still-developing physique, the new San Antonio Spurs star informed the L'Equipe daily he won't participate in the highly-anticipated contest together with the French national basketball team. Wembanyama characterized the choice as tough and "irrevocable."

The talented player claimed "on his own" responsibility for the decision, but he did say he consulted family and doctors before making the final call. He reportedly informed the France coach and other team members over the weekend, as reported by L'Equipe. Moreover, he won't represent France in any major competition until the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

When asked whether he felt any pressure from the Spurs, Wembanyama responded no, and that the NBA team would have stood behind him regardless of his decision.

The Spurs picked up the 19-year-old star who is widely expected to explode into the basketball scene. Wembanyama is taller than most players selected as No. 1 picks, while his reputation precedes him. According to his bio, he is 7 feet 4 inches tall and in his last season he led the French league in scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots.

Wembanyama said that he dithered a lot before making his decision and cited the need of taking care of his body after putting it through a gruelling season with his team Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92, who made it all the way to the Pro A League championships. Participating in the World Cup, then the NBA season, and then the Olympics would have been exhausting for him, he added. Wembanyama argued that such an approach would have been impractical from a development and health standpoints and expressed his hope that everyone involved could understand his choice.

"The French team is as central as ever. I want to win as many titles as possible with them. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice", he concluded.

The World Cup will be held in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25th to September 10th.

 

source: france24.com