# Victor Wembanyama Represents Promise of the Present — and the Future — for Team France
PARIS — The atmosphere in Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille was electric, filled with waving flags and the rhythmic beating of drums. Meanwhile, at Pub St Germain in Paris, fans erupted in cheers, celebrating the start of the Summer Games. Despite the rain-soaked cycling race just a block away, the focus remained on one towering figure: Victor Wembanyama.
The 7-foot-4 sensation showcased his skills, scoring 19 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, leading France to a 78-66 victory over Brazil in their Olympic opener. His highlight reel included a spectacular alley-oop in the final minute, igniting chants and dances among the crowd in Lille.
Wembanyama, who recently earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors with the San Antonio Spurs, embodies not just the hopes of the present but also the promise of the future for French basketball. Following a silver medal finish at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where they narrowly lost to the United States in the gold medal match, France is back with renewed vigor and aspirations.
As the crowd erupted with every Wembanyama basket, it became clear that he is more than just a player; he is a symbol of potential. His unique blend of skills—guard-like agility in a towering frame—positions him as a candidate to become one of the greatest players in basketball history.
At just 19 years old, Wembanyama views the Olympics as a pivotal opportunity. Competing in his home country adds to the stakes. “We know we have the chance to win gold,” he stated before the Games. “We won silver at the last Games, so we were not far away. The goal is to bring something new to the table.”
While the United States remains the favorite, their roster features aging stars like Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron James. Although the U.S. has depth, the gap is closing, particularly with the emergence of talent from France.
Wembanyama is at the forefront of a new wave of French basketball talent. The NBA landscape has shifted dramatically, with three of the top six picks in the 2024 NBA Draft hailing from France, including the top two picks, Zacharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. The last two years have seen nine French players drafted, including Bilal Coulibaly, who is also on the Olympic team.
What’s most promising is that France is not just producing generational talents like Wembanyama. The development of guards and wings indicates a serious commitment to basketball. The passion for the sport is palpable, with Wembanyama’s jerseys flying off the shelves in stores across Paris.
As the Summer Games unfold, the French basketball community is rallying behind Wembanyama, who is leading the charge. With a blend of talent, determination, and a supportive fan base, the future looks bright for Team France.