On the evening of January 20, 2024, Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 NBA draft, faced a momentous decision.
The San Antonio Spurs, in the midst of a five-game road trip, were scheduled to play the Charlotte Hornets on a Friday night, followed by a matchup against the Washington Wizards the next night.
Although Wembanyama was still under a minutes restriction and typically sat out the second game of back-to-back sets, this particular scenario presented a unique opportunity.
The game against the Wizards held special significance for Wembanyama, as he would be facing his former teammate and friend, Bilal Coulibaly, the eighth overall pick in the same draft.
The two had shared the court last season in the French Pro A League with Mets 92, and missing the chance to play against Coulibaly in the NBA was not an option for Wembanyama.
Despite the minutes restriction, the Spurs’ coaches granted Wembanyama his wish to play against Coulibaly.
The anticipation and significance of the moment were not lost on Wembanyama. Reflecting on their journey from childhood dreams to the NBA, he expressed pride in both their achievements and acknowledged the surreal nature of the experience.
The game unfolded on a chilly night in Washington, with the Spurs eventually securing a 131-127 victory.
Wembanyama and Coulibaly faced off on the court, and at the 1:36 mark in the third quarter, Coulibaly showcased his defensive prowess by blocking an alley-oop attempt by Wembanyama. Postgame, Coulibaly humorously checked the box score to confirm his credited block, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
Following the intense matchup, Wembanyama and Coulibaly engaged in the tradition of jersey swapping, marking only the second time Wembanyama had participated in such an exchange during the season. The first had been with fellow Frenchman Rudy Gobert.
France’s presence in the NBA has been growing, with a record 14 players representing the country in the league this season, including five rookies.
The camaraderie among French players in the NBA was further highlighted by the visit of Boris Diaw, the general manager of the French national team, to San Antonio during a three-game swing.
Diaw, along with France head coach Vincent Collet and other national team staff, seized the opportunity to connect with Wembanyama and other French players in the NBA.
Looking ahead, the potential for more French talent entering the NBA is evident in the 2024 NBA mock draft, where four French players are projected to go in Round 1, including the top two picks and three of the first six.
Wembanyama expressed amazement at the prospect, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such an achievement. He highlighted the significance of having international players, particularly from the same country, taken with the top two selections in the draft.
In a recent encounter, Coulibaly’s Wizards managed to secure a 118-113 victory over Wembanyama’s Spurs, preventing Wembanyama from securing three consecutive wins against French opponents. The Spurs had previously defeated Rayan Rupert and the Blazers, as well as Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves.
Notably, the French connection extended beyond the players on the court, as Boris Diaw, a former Spurs player and the current general manager of the French national team, made a visit to San Antonio during the three-game swing. Diaw even participated in some 3-on-3 action at the Spurs’ shootaround.
Reflecting on the increasing recognition of French basketball talent, Wembanyama expressed satisfaction with the growing interest in the “French product” and predicted more visits in the future. As France continues to produce top-tier basketball talent, the global appetite for the French brand of basketball appears to be on the rise.
Wembanyama also took the opportunity to share insights on four potential 2024 first-round picks from France, offering perspectives on their skills, paths, and potential contributions to the NBA.
Alex Sarr, a power forward/center currently with the Perth Wildcats, caught Wembanyama’s attention with his unconventional journey through various leagues, including Real Madrid’s youth team, the Overtime Elite league, and the NBL’s Next Stars program.
Zaccharie Risacher, a small forward with JL Bourg, impressed Wembanyama during their time together at ASVEL. Wembanyama lauded Risacher’s all-around skills and versatility on both ends of the court.
Tidjane Salaun, a power forward with Cholet, has a longstanding connection with Wembanyama dating back to their sisters’ involvement in the U16 national team. Despite Salaun’s initial struggles in his debut season, Wembanyama commended his work ethic and expressed confidence in his future improvement.
Melvin Ajinca, a shooting guard/small forward playing for Saint Quentin, has known Wembanyama for nearly a decade. Wembanyama recalled their early battles on the court and highlighted Ajinca’s remarkable journey from a talented prospect to a professional player, commending his shooting ability.
As the French presence in the NBA continues to expand, Wembanyama anticipates more encounters with his compatriots on the court, emphasizing the pride he feels in their collective achievements.
The prospect of playing against fellow French players in the NBA, a reality that once seemed distant, now adds a surreal element to Wembanyama’s experience in the league.
