Previously, Victor Wembanyama planned to play for his home country of France in this summer’s FIBA World Cup. But it appears those plans have changed for the recent No. 1 overall pick.
Instead of playing for France in the FIBA World Cup, Victor Wembanyama made it clear that he is setting his focus on preparing for his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs as well as next year’s Paris Olympics, where he intends to play for France.
“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, according to ESPN. “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.”
Wembanyama made it clear that he came to this choice himself after consulting with his personal medical staff and revealed that the San Antonio Spurs would have supported whatever decision he made.
The decision came due to Wembanyama’s concerns about the volumes of games he’ll be playing over the next two years, but he is still planning to play in at least some of the Spurs’ summer league games in July.
[ESPN]