SAN ANTONIO (AP) — French phenomenon Victor Wimpanyama made the rounds of national television talk shows after being selected as the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The 7-foot-3 1/2 center has held more press conferences than he can count. He has made numerous public appearances and even dined with a host of Hall of Famers.
It comes with being perhaps one of the hottest prospects the NBA has ever seen. A 19-year-old with the agility and skills of a keeper while standing taller than almost everyone else, it’s no wonder Wimpanyama’s time stretched beyond his 8-foot wingspan.
“I think I’ve spent more time with the media than on the field,” Wimpanyama said on Friday when he met the media for the first time since starting with the team.
After being charged with numerous off-field commitments, Wimpanyama finally took to the court on Wednesday to train with Tottenham for the first time as they prepare for the upcoming summer leagues.
“It was a really good feeling, and I felt really good,” Wimpanyama said. “Also, I had a very warm welcome with the guys. Yeah, I can’t wait. I was told beforehand that there is a good dynamic with the team on and off the field and I’m really starting to feel that. It makes me more confident that this is a good environment.”
Wembanyama is at home, even if he doesn’t have time to find a home in San Antonio.
Wimpanyama will not play in the California Summer League Classic which opens July 3 in Sacramento. He will compete in the NBA 2K24 Summer League from July 7-17 in Las Vegas.
He said, “I don’t know how it goes yet (as far as) how many minutes I’m going to play”. “I know I’m going to be in a big role and it’s going to be intense. I can’t wait to put on this Tottenham shirt for the first time.”
His enthusiasm has only grown since Tottenham drafted him on June 22.
Shortly after arriving in San Antonio, Wembanyama dined with Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, along with former Spurs star Sean Elliott.
“We asked, ‘How do you get enough sleep on the road,’” Elliott said of dinner. “What kind of young man asks that question? Most guys say “Hey, what’s the best club to go to in (Philadelphia) or (New York)?”
It’s all part of Wimpanyama’s desire to win the NBA title with the Spurs, just like fellow Frenchmen Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.
In addition to asking the right questions, Wembanyama worked with a personal trainer to safely add weight to his tall physique this year leading up to the draft.
“To be able to play through 82 games in a season, I have to go through a lot of conditioning and energy level,” Wimpanyama said.
He had already impressed his teammates and coaches in San Antonio with his work ethic, as well as his skills on the field during the first two days of practice.
“He’s a unique player and we as coaches have got to find some good places to develop in those areas,” said Matt Nielsen, Tottenham’s assistant coach and summer league coach. “In saying that, he has a lot to learn about NBA basketball and the Spurs. There is a lot going on for him, it’s exciting to watch him there.”
Part of the preparation for his upcoming rookie season also included making the “really tough” decision not to play for France in the FIBA Basketball Cup, which opens on August 25.
“I had a long season with the Mets ’92,” Wimpanyama said of his team in France last season, “I’m going to have a long season with the Spurs and there’s the Olympics after that.” “I just think more than two years without rest is too much risk. There are really big events coming up, like the Olympic Games, that I really don’t want to miss. So, to be available for the national team in the next stage, I don’t know how many years, I feel I have to.” I miss this year.”
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