By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Doing things his own unique way is the recurring theme for Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama, 18, is projected to be selected first overall in the 2023 NBA draft. Until the lottery-winning team eventually secures the services of the hot prospect, he will display his talents in the Betclic Elite LNB Pro A as a member of Metropolitans 92. So, teams and fans will be keeping a close eye on the French league.
“I’ve always felt like I was on a different level. I was living a different life than everyone else in school, for example, even in elementary school. I was just thinking differently than everyone. I’ve always tried to be original in everything I do, and it’s really something that stays in my soul: Be original. Be one of a kind. It’s like, I can’t explain it. I think I was born with it,” he told Tania Ganguli of the New York Times.
Growing up in a sports family and also getting taller, he naturally focused his efforts on basketball. Before turning professional at 15, he was extremely successful at the junior level. From there, he joined Nanterre 92 and was named Pro A Best Young Player before switching to LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne and getting the Best Young Player nod for the second year in a row. Opting out of his contract, he moved to Metropolitans 92 last June.
Already considered among the favorites for the first selection of the next NBA draft or at least among the top picks, he massively improved his value introducing himself to the USA audience in a recent tour of Metropolitans 92 featuring a couple of exhibition games opposite NBA G League Ignite. He averaged 36.5 points per game and was excellent in multiple areas, most uncommon to bigs.
Photo Credit: Getty Images