By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Lille, France – Down 12 points early in Gameday 1 of Group B of the 2024 Olympic Games, France recovered and eventually topped Brazil on Saturday. Victor Wembanyama scoring 11 points in the second quarter shifted the momentum.
“Taking everything that is given to me and communicating a lot with my teammates,” he commented on dominating in the second period, “It is about sacrifices.”
“We got two of the best players in the EuroLeague, the very best players, and two good defensive players, frontrunners for NBA Defensive Player of the Year,” he explained, “We are all ready to give our spot to the next guy.”
Most of his international teammates have been playing together for several years with plenty of success representing France. Fitting in has not been much of a challenge for Wemby.
“I think Nic [Batum] and the coach [Vincent Collet] played together for the first time twenty years ago. So, they know each other and I like the way they have tried to install me in the system,” he mentioned.
Besides his contribution, a packed house also helped Les Bleus to rally.
“We can not underestimate the power of the home crowd. I think it is really going to be the sixth man for the whole tournament,” said the 20-year-old center.
“We pressed the button,” he furthered on shaking off the slow start, “It is just adjusting. And I think their game plan was also to be the first to punch. So they did well, but I think we responded even better.”
Up next for Wembanyama and France is a game against Japan on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL