Basketball: "It's cool that great players talk about me in this way", smiles Victor Wembanyama

The “Wembamania” is on the way, American basketball now only has eyes for him.

How can it be otherwise?

In just two matches, Victor Wembanyama made everyone agree.

On tour in Las Vegas with his team from the Metropolitans of Boulogne-Levallois, the 18-year-old Ile-de-France resident turned (and lifted) all heads, including those of his most prestigious and emblematic peers.

In a friendly against the Espoirs of the G-League Unite, the young man delivered two XXL performances: 37 points, 4 rebounds, 5 blocks, for his first outing (defeat 115-122);

36 points and 11 rebounds for the second (112-106 victory).

The 2.21m Frenchman has become the phenomenon that everyone wants to have in their team.

The 200 representatives, general managers, recruiters, from the 30 NBA franchises who came to scrutinize him still have stars in their eyes.

“This experience was unique, magnificent.

I don't know how it could have been even better,” commented Victor Wembanyama at a post-match press conference.

He wasn't the only one to react to his performance, as evidenced by Rudy Gobert's reaction.

“I have to stay focused on my goals.

I haven't accomplished anything yet, I haven't played a game in the NBA.

»

Coming as a neighbor from Las Vegas, which is twenty kilometers away, and where he is doing a pre-season training course with his new club, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the pivot of the Blues was enthusiastic: "It's really exciting, we have the lucky to have such talent, we have never seen a player like Victor, welcomed Gobert at the microphone of ESPN, which broadcast the match live.

I've known him since he was 13, we knew he was going to be unique.

He is very mature, he knows where he wants to go.

I don't think there is any possible comparison.

»

Victor Wembanyama followed up his 37-point game on Tuesday with an equally impressive 36-point double-double in a win!

🔥 @vicw_32: 36 PTS |

11 REB |

4 ASTs |

4 BLK pic.twitter.com/M5dy1WpUPT

— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2022

"Everybody's been using that term 'unicorn' (a term used in the NBA to refer to uniquely talented players with exceptional physicality who are both versatile and agile) lately," legend LeBron James said. of the NBA.

There have been quite a few in recent years, but he is more of an alien.

“He certainly has all the attributes to change the game, the physique and the state of mind to be a great player,” added Adam Silver, the

(president) of the NBA.

“It's an honor to have great players who talk about me in this way, but it doesn't change anything, reacted, imperturbable, Victor Wembanyama last night after his team's victory.

I thought it was cool, but I have to stay focused on my goals.

I haven't accomplished anything yet, I haven't played an NBA game, I haven't been drafted.

»

The draft of June 22, 2023 is still far away.

But for now his trajectory is perfect.

Wembanyama has never been so well placed to become the first Frenchman in history to be selected first.