This 2.23 meter tall super talent is likely to even overshadow the first return of the basketball world champions. When the German national team begins its Olympic preparations in Cologne on Saturday (4 p.m./Magentasport), it will not only face host France, but also giant Victor Wembanyama.
The 20-year-old has had an outstanding first NBA season and is considered the greatest talent since superstar LeBron James, who made his debut in the best league in the world when Wembanyama was not even born yet.
“We have to go out and stop him. He will be the face of the next two years, he will take over completely. We just have to go ahead as a team and give it our all,” said German captain Dennis Schröder about the center from France.
With his size and exceptionally long arms, Wembanyama is considered an outstanding defender, is also agile and can convert three-point shots. His motivation this summer: Olympic gold at home and against the US super team led by James.
Three duels are certain
National coach Gordon Herbert also has great respect for Wembanyama. “He is an outstanding player. That is great for basketball. You don’t come across someone like him every day. There are many great European players, but he can become one of the greats,” Herbert told the German Press Agency.
Wembanyama, who plays for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, and his French team will face each other not only on Saturday in Cologne, but also again on Monday (9 p.m./ProSieben MAXX) in Montpellier. The teams will also meet in the Olympic preliminary round on August 2 in Lille.
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2024-07-05 10:09:26
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