This is probably the first hiccup in a story-telling hitherto without a hitch. A few days after putting the United States and the NBA at his feet, Victor Wembanyama has just put a right hook to those who, in France, hoped to see the new strongman of Spurs with the France team during the next World Cup in Indonesia and the Philippines. Especially since he had repeatedly proclaimed his desire to be there despite his arrival in the American league.
AT The Team, just a few days ago, he even spoke of establishing the “French reign” in the world of basketball nations. Despite the disappointment, even the incomprehension of certain members of the staff of the Blues, when he announced his decision to them on Saturday, during a video call, Wembanyama assured our colleagues that if this decision was “difficult” it was also “irrevocable”.
For the former Mets player of Vincent Collet, his participation in the World Cup was not compatible with good physical preparation and would even have been dangerous for his health, a choice that defends and respects itself, but which also questions. “If I play at the World Cup, resuming from last summer and going all the way to the Olympics, that would represent around 170 games over 24 months, with no real break. It would not be realistic in terms of development, and not prudent in terms of health,” he explained.
“This summer is a necessary sacrifice”
For “Wemby”, the idea is to repeat that this small sacrifice is necessary if he wants to last over the length with the Blues. “I thought about it. It is certain that there will be sadness and frustration. But I still expect support as well. I hope people will understand. In all objectivity, it is a coherent decision, even for the France team. To be more sure of being present in the big moments, it is better to miss a campaign now, at the beginning of my career […]. The France team is still as central. I want to win all possible titles with her. But to achieve this, this summer is a necessary sacrifice. »
And this one to conclude by calling for the leniency of the French supporters towards him: “I ask them, already, to forgive me for my absence. While making them the promise that it is temporary. That it’s for the best, and that I’ll be back, very soon. »