Victor Wembanyama has decided not to play for France in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in order to focus on his development with the San Antonio Spurs.
Last week, the Spurs selected Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old immediately expressed his desire to play in each and every possible game across his rookie season.
However, this hope does not extend to the national team. It is a U-turn on previous comments, and is a heavy blow to France, the current Olympic silver medalists who are a contender to win the world title at the tournament hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia in August and September.
“It would not be realistic in terms of development and not careful in terms of health,” Wembanyama told L’Equipe. “I hope people will understand.
“It's frustrating for me too. The France team is still my focus. I want to win as many titles as possible with it. But I think it's a necessary sacrifice.”
Wembanyama reportedly made his decision himself after speaking with close family and friends, the medical staff and several leading members of the French national team setup. He also played down any suggestions that the Spurs may have pressured him to make such a decision, adding: “The Spurs would have supported me whatever my choice had been.”
Wembanyama played a total of 62 games this season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 as the team reached the French League Finals, but fell to Monaco. He played in every game last season for Metropolitans 92, averaging 21.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game in 34 appearances in the French League as he led the league in scoring, rebound and blocks en route to winning MVP.
Wembanyama is still planning to play in at least some of the Spurs' summer league games in July, while he harbours hopes of representing France in the Paris Olympics next year. Including his rookie campaign in the NBA and the 2024 Games, he calculated he could play 170 games over 24 months.
Ultimately, the World Cup appeared to be a bridge too far for the rookie with the world at his feet. Wembanyama made his France debut last November in the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers, averaging 19.0 points and 8.3 rebounds over four games.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup begins on August 25 and runs through September 10. France are in Group H where they will face Canada, Latvia and Lebanon.
