On a Sunday evening in May, the Accor Arena in Paris was filled with thousands of fans cheering on Victor Wembanyama, the 7-foot-4 French teenage basketball sensation. Wembanyama showcased his skills with an array of shots, including baby hooks, 3-pointers, and powerful dunks, captivating the audience.
As Wembanyama warmed up, he crossed paths with Frédéric Weis, a towering figure at 7-2, who was preparing for his role as a commentator. Weis, a former basketball player, observed Wembanyama's agile playing style, contrasting it with his own more physical approach from the past.
Weis, reflecting on his own career, understands the pressures and expectations that come with being in the spotlight. Despite being hailed as a top European player and being drafted by the New York Knicks in 1999, Weis faced challenges that led to a downward spiral in his life.
Weis shared his struggles, revealing that his darkest moments were not directly linked to his basketball career or the infamous Dunk de la Mort incident with Vince Carter. Instead, his personal turmoil stemmed from his son Enzo's autism diagnosis, which shattered his dreams of fatherhood and left him grappling with feelings of guilt and despair.
Enzo's diagnosis deeply affected Weis and strained his relationship with his family. Coping with the emotional turmoil, Weis turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol, and eventually reached a breaking point where he attempted suicide in 2008.
Following this traumatic event, Weis sought help, reconciled with his family, and embarked on a journey towards healing and recovery. Despite the challenges he faced, Weis endeavored to move forward and rebuild his life, eventually finding solace in everyday routines and striving for a sense of normalcy.
As Weis reflects on his past struggles and witnesses Wembanyama's promising career unfold, he sees a parallel between their journeys. Both faced adversity and internal battles, yet Wembanyama represents a new chapter with endless possibilities, offering hope for the future.
