BREAKING: Victor Wembanyama has withdrawn from the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup to prepare for his NBA rookie season.
Victor Wembanyama has decided not to compete in this year’s FIBA World Cup in 2023.
He cited development and health concerns as the reasons for his departure.
His primary focus this season is on playing for the Spurs and for France in the Olympics.
Victor Wembanyama will not compete in the FIBA World Cup this year.
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has decided to skip the quadrennial event this summer in order to focus on his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs.
It was a devastating blow to the French, who are attempting to win the world title for the first time in September in Manila, Philippines.
On June 24, 2023, Victor Wembanyama addresses the media at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Caitlin Smith’s photoGetty Images is the source for this image.
Wembanyama announced his decision to the French newspaper L’Equipe, saying:
“It would be unrealistic in terms of development and in terms of health.” I hope everyone understands. It irritates me as well. For me, the France team remains crucial. I want to win as many championships as possible with this team. However, I believe it is a necessary sacrifice.”
The biggest World Cup omissions: A list of footballers who were left out of their respective countries’ World Cup squads.
Before making a decision, Wemby consulted with his staff.
In the interview, the 19-year-old stated unequivocally that San Antonio would have supported whatever decision he made. According to ESPN, he decided not to represent France in the World Cup after consulting with his personal medical team.
Wembanyama and his team determined that the number of games he planned to play over a two-year period was simply too much for him.
Before joining the NBA, he played 62 games for Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92, leading the team to the French League Finals.
Wembanyama estimated that he would play 170 games in two years with the Spurs in the NBA and France in next year’s Olympics in Paris.
That was more than enough reason for him to abandon his World Cup plans.
Wemby will compete in the Summer League.
The good news for Spurs fans is that the talented big man will still play in some of San Antonio’s summer league games next month.
After Haaland’s Champions League victory, the Ballon d’Or rankings for 2023 have been updated.
San Antonio will play five games at the Las Vegas Summer League, beginning against the Charlotte Hornets, who will be represented by their No. 2 pick, Brandon Miller, according to ABC.
Wemby is greeted as a hero.
Wembanyama was recently honored as a hero in San Antonio, according to Sports Brief.
When he arrived at San Antonio International Airport, he was greeted with cheers from Spurs fans.
Wembanyama’s private plane arrived in the city before 4 p.m. and was greeted with a water shower.
