Victor Wembanyama named NBA Rookie of the Year
French basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama was named 2023-2024 NBA Rookie of the Year on Monday (6 May) night.
He became only the sixth player in the history of the award to achieve unanimous acclaim from the voting body, netting all 99 first place votes.
The breakout star of the San Antonio Spurs led the league in blocks and averaged 21.4 points over 71 games. He also led the rookie class in total points and rebounds.
While his professional season is over, he may just be getting warmed up.
The 20 year-old superstar-in-the-making has the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in his sights, and he’s ready to stage a French revolution on the basketball court.
Victor Wembanyama prepares for Olympic homecoming
Originally from Le Chesnay, a commune just a few kilometers west of Paris, Wembanyama experienced a meteoric rise to fame.
He began his professional career with Nanterre 92, a team based just outside of Paris. He then spent a season with a club near Lyon, before returning to the Paris region to play with the club Metropolitans 92.
Following a year with the team, Wembanyama turned his attention towards the NBA.
He was the first player selected during the 2023 NBA Draft, and spent his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite a remarkable rookie season, Wembanyama was left without any chance of playoff glory.
Nonetheless, his team’s short season has given him more time to prepare for an Olympic homecoming.
He issued the following ultimatum to L’Equipe in September, stating, “I'll be present at the Olympics, and there's no other goal than gold."
Basketball at Paris 2024
Basketball at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 11 August. Pierre Mauroy Stadium (group stage) and Bercy Arena (final rounds) will host matches during Paris 2024.
Team France will begin their qust for gold in Group B against Germany, Japan, and the winner of the final qualification tournament in Latvia.