In a recent interview with the French newspaper L'Equipe, Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft, made an important decision regarding his basketball commitments.
Wembanyama has chosen to prioritise his training for both his upcoming rookie season in the NBA and the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics, and as a result, he has decided not to represent France in this summer's FIBA World Cup.
This reversal of course demonstrates his dedication and focus on his professional development and international aspirations. By opting to concentrate on these significant milestones in his basketball career, Wembanyama aims to make a lasting impact both at the NBA level and on the global stage at the upcoming Olympics.
"It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health," Wembanyama told the newspaper. "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."
France is the reigning Olympic silver medalist that has an eye on winning the World Cup in September. However, Wembanyama said he's already looking at playing 170 games in a 24-month period, between the NBA and the upcoming Olympics, a far higher load than he's ever played.
Wembanyama, 19, said it was his decision, adding that the Spurs would have supported his choice either way.
The World Cup runs from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, with games happening in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
(With Reuters inputs)
