Basketball

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama to skip FIBAs to focus on rookie season

No.1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama has decided to skip FIBA World Cup in order to focus on the rookie NBA season for San Antonio Spurs. The youngster wants to manage the workload for his maiden NBA season and the next year’s Olympics in Paris.

France is currently the silver medalist of the Olympics and they are one of the contenders for the World Cup, which will be played this August and September in Manila, Philippines. Ergo, Wembanyama’s absence will be a massive blow to France’s chances.

The youngster is looking forward to playing in at least some of the Spurs’ summer league games in July.

“It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health,” Wembanyama said in announcing his decision to French newspaper L’Equipe. “I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”

The youngster revealed that the Spurs would have supported whatever decision he would have made. However, he has decided not to play in the World Cup, keeping in mind the number of matches. Thus, he wanted to manage his workload with guile after consulting with his medical team.

The youngster played a total of 62 games this season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 in reaching the French League Finals. In the upcoming two years, Wembanyama is expected to play around 170 games if he stays at the top of his fitness.

Earlier the youngster was delighted when he was selected by San Antonio Spurs as the No.1 NBA draft pick.

“I can’t really describe it,” the 19-year-old told reporters following the pick. “One of the best feelings of my life. Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible.”

Wembanyama will look to deliver the goods for the Spurs and there will be lofty expectations from him.

Related Post
Share
Published by
Website Admin

Recent Posts

Inter want Meret as free agent as Liverpool eye Thuram

Reports have emerged in Italy that Inter are ready to pounce on Napoli goalkeeper Alex… Read More

November 22, 2024

Celtic Boss set to welcome star forward after injury recovery ahead of crunch tie

Celtic have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Saturday night clash with Hearts,… Read More

November 22, 2024

Luka Doncic Out for a Week Due to Wrist Strain

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is set to miss at least a week after suffering… Read More

November 22, 2024

NBA: Warriors’ De’Anthony Melton to Miss Season with Knee Surgery

Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a partially torn… Read More

November 21, 2024

Juan Mata Becomes First Active International Footballer to Join MLS Ownership with San Diego FC

World Cup-winning Spanish footballer Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Millot may join PSG as French champions react to Yamal link

Since joining VfB Stuttgart from AS Monaco at a young age, Enzo Millot has thrived… Read More

November 21, 2024