Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio) reflects on the Olympics.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) published an interview with Wembanyama on its official website on Wednesday. The interview was conducted during the San Antonio Spurs’ media day ahead of the start of the NBA season.
In the interview, Wembanyama reflected on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in his home country last August, where he averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocked shots in 29.8 minutes over six games 토토 to lead France to the silver medal.
“I was really lucky and proud to have the opportunity to experience the Olympics, we were all working towards the same goal, so there were a lot of emotions, and it was a relief a few days after it was over.”
Despite taking silver behind ‘Dream Team’ USA, France was shaky throughout the Games. Not only did they have a feud with their coach, but they were not at their best on the court, including a 94-90 upset of Japan in their second game of the group stage.
“I think it was very difficult,” said an emotional Wembanyama. ”The Olympics is only six games at the most, and the pace is so different from what I’m used to. There’s also the tactical aspect, it’s really hard to win in the Olympics, it’s really easy to lose, like Canada for example, I don’t know what their expectations were, but I think they were eliminated too early than they should have been.”
“I would say it was one of the most intense sports experiences of my life,” Wembanyama said of his Olympic experience, ”I think I learned a lot, and I’m looking forward to bringing those different types of experiences back to my basketball life.”
For some, the Olympics will be the end of an era. The French national team coach of 15 years, Vincent Kollé. It was his last time in charge.
“He is the greatest coach of all time, and he probably knew it was his last Olympics. I think he did what he needed to do to leave on a good note,” Wembanyama said.
A new coach has also been named to succeed Cole. Frédéric Fortu, who will take over at JL Bourg (France), is the new head coach. He previously worked with Wembanyama at ASVEL in the French league.
“I’m very proud that he’s taking over the French national team because I’ve spent time with him, he’s one of my favorite people, he’s a real leader, and there’s a new generation coming into the French national team, including me, and I hope we can grow together,” Wembanyama said.
