By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
France struggled during the preparation period, but despite that, led by Victor Wembanyama and playing at home, the Blues are one of the favorites for a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The NBA Rookie of the Year and San Antonio Spurs star is set to play in his first major tournament for his national team, and it happens to be the Olympics at home.
“It is still a dream to be able to be at the Olympic Games. I see it almost like any other sporting experience, but even more demanding. Mentally, the emotion is tremendous. It’s hard to realize that it’s really the Olympics. Of course, it’s different from when I used to watch them on TV. It’s still a dream,” Wembanyama said during the pre-Olympic press conference.
He’s looking forward to the unique experience that the Olympics provide, despite the fact that he will be in Lille for the group phase of the tournament during the opening ceremony.
“Above all, we young people would have liked to see what the real Olympic experience is like, to be able to be in the Olympic Village and take part in the opening ceremony, and all those things. But it’s best to stay in Lille that day because some of the conditions here are optimal for our performance, even if we wonder what it would have been like if we were in Paris.”
Despite losing four straight games ahead of the Olympic tournament, Wemby believes the French team is on the right track.
“We are on the right track because the energy of our entire group, players and coaching staff, is incredible.”
He’ll have a new experience at the Olympic Village, but when it comes to the court, he seems ready.
“I’ve been at this level of sport for a while, it’s nothing new for me. In terms of responsibility, it’s different, because we’re representing France. We’re a group that has to get to know each other in a very short time. There are players I’ve never played with before. So there is responsibility. But it’s not scary,” Wembanyama said.