The Unicorn Era: Victor Wembanyama heads a coming stampede of skilled big men
1 year, 10 months ago

The Unicorn Era: Victor Wembanyama heads a coming stampede of skilled big men

New York Times  

On the morning of Jan. 10, Grant Nelson woke up to a text message sent by a friend from their hometown of Devils Lake, N.D. “He’s a pretty impressive combination of size and skill,” says an NBA scout who, like all the other unnamed sources in this story, requested anonymity because he is not authorized to comment on college players. “We’ve heard this term ‘small ball’ for a while, but what NBA teams were really trying to do was play ‘skill ball,’ ” says veteran NBA coach and current broadcaster Stan Van Gundy. Nelson also played in a lot of pickup games and tournaments on the Spirit Lake Dakota Reservation in nearby Fort Totten, where there was, he says, “a lot of run-and-gun, transition basketball.” Nelson played for his school teams as well, but it wasn’t until he enjoyed a growth spurt before his junior year at Devils Lake High that he played full-time on varsity. I’d love to guard anyone in the NBA, actually.” Nelson may have an unusual past for a big-time prospect, but he can see the future quite clearly.

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History of this topic

Victor Wembanyama of France named NBA Rookie of the Year
8 months ago

Victor Wembanyama of France named NBA Rookie of the Year

China Daily  

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and teammates react after a victory over the Denver Nuggets at Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA April 12, 2024. NEW YORK - San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama won the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award, the league announced on Monday, marking the first time a Frenchman has captured the honor. …

Victor Wembanyama’s NBA education is underway. The French teen is passing the early tests
1 year, 2 months ago

Victor Wembanyama’s NBA education is underway. The French teen is passing the early tests

Associated Press  

Here’s some of what San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama has experienced so far in the NBA: Scoring 38 points in a game, playing in a back-to-back for the first time, being part of two 40-point losses, wasting a huge lead and losing, overcoming a huge deficit and winning. “The guy’s going to be great,” said Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, …

Victor Wembanyama - NBA all set to welcome French talent; goes to Spurs as No.1 pick
1 year, 6 months ago

Victor Wembanyama - NBA all set to welcome French talent; goes to Spurs as No.1 pick

The Hindu  

France’s Victor Wembanyama was chosen with the top pick in the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, sparking wild celebrations as the Texas club reveled in landing the gifted teenager seen as a once-in-a-generation talent. “Just accomplishing something that I’ve been dreaming about my whole life,” Wembanyama said after his No.1 status was announced by NBA commissioner …

NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama No.1 Pick by San Antonio Spurs
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA Draft 2023: Victor Wembanyama No.1 Pick by San Antonio Spurs

News 18  

France’s Victor Wembanyama was chosen with the top pick in the NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, sparking wild celebrations as the Texas club reveled in landing the gifted teenager seen as a once-in-a-generation talent. “Just accomplishing something that I’ve been dreaming about my whole life,” Wembanyama said after his No.1 status was announced by NBA commissioner …

Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, with expectations of stardom
1 year, 6 months ago

Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, with expectations of stardom

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama was the presumed No. 1 pick for months, the rare certainty in an NBA draft process that’s often a guessing game. Scoot Henderson of the G League Ignite, whose bling-filled jacket stood in sharp contrast to Wembanyama’s solid green look, was the No. For us to go back-to-back, be the first twins to go back-to-back …

NBA Draft 2023: San Antonio Spurs picks Victor Wembanyama
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA Draft 2023: San Antonio Spurs picks Victor Wembanyama

The Hindu  

The NBA draft 2023 got underway in New York with San Antonio Spurs picking French phenom Victor Wembanyama as its first pick on Friday. Follow the NBA Draft 2023 LIVE Wembanyama, 19, is considered the most coveted draft prospect since LeBron James in 2003. “Hearing that sentence from Adam Silver, I’ve dreamed of it so much that I have to …

NBA draft day arrives, and for Wembanyama a big man will realize his big dreams
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA draft day arrives, and for Wembanyama a big man will realize his big dreams

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The day Victor Wembanyama has dreamed of for years has arrived. The San Antonio Spurs have that pick and the opportunity to add a player who is being considered a can’t-miss prospect, perhaps the likes that hasn’t been seen since LeBron James in 2003. Wembanyama has thrown out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium and said he …

Here's Why Victor Wembanyama, NBA's Near-Certain No. 1 Draft Pick, Should Never Play Baseball Again
1 year, 6 months ago

Here's Why Victor Wembanyama, NBA's Near-Certain No. 1 Draft Pick, Should Never Play Baseball Again

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Victor Wembanyama threw a baseball Tuesday like you might expect of a roughly 7-foot-4-inch guy from a country that doesn’t play a lot of the sport. But on Thursday, that won’t matter one bit because Wembanyama, a 19-year-old basketball star from France, will almost certainly be chosen first in the NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs. …

With Wembanyama a player like few others, there’s no debate at the top of this NBA draft
1 year, 6 months ago

With Wembanyama a player like few others, there’s no debate at the top of this NBA draft

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Victor Wembanyama walked into his first NBA news conference Wednesday morning, took his seat and looked out at a maze of cameras and microphones that have been awaiting him for years. The NBA draft — one that Wembanyama’s towering shadow has hung over for months, blocking much of what is usually part of the process — is …

NBA 2023 draft: 7-4 Victor Wembanyama spurs visions of superstardom
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA 2023 draft: 7-4 Victor Wembanyama spurs visions of superstardom

LA Times  

Victor Wembanyama wants to see the city, but he’s the New York attraction no one seems able to miss. Although basketball people get drunk on expectations and projections every year at the NBA draft, this feels different — the kind of buzz that’s only accompanied the smallest handful of modern players. “He’s going to have the same kinds of expectations …

NBA Mock Draft: Brandon Miller goes to Hornets as our writers pick the top 10
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA Mock Draft: Brandon Miller goes to Hornets as our writers pick the top 10

New York Times  

Just when you feel like you have a break from the nonstop NBA cycle, it draws you right back in. So to get a better sense of how draft night might unfold once June 22 rolls around, The Athletic’s writers Kelly Iko, James L. Edwards III and Josh Robbins got together for another mock draft. Charlotte Hornets Brandon Miller | …

NBA Mock Draft: Wembanyama to Spurs (obviously), but questions begin after that
1 year, 6 months ago

NBA Mock Draft: Wembanyama to Spurs (obviously), but questions begin after that

New York Times  

We are about a week away from the 2023 NBA Draft. Toronto Raptors Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-4 wing | 20 years old | Indiana The Scout: Hood-Schifino is a well-rounded, young prospect who won the Big Ten’s Rookie of the Year award this past season while averaging 13 points, four rebounds and four assists. Golden State Warriors Kris Murray | …

As NBA season ends, the draft looms, and that means Wembanyama’s arrival is near
1 year, 6 months ago

As NBA season ends, the draft looms, and that means Wembanyama’s arrival is near

Associated Press  

There are a few business matters left to tend to around the NBA in the coming days. And he’s used to that.” The NBA season ended Monday night when the Nuggets wrapped up their first championship by eliminating the Heat in five games. By everything I can see, it sure seems like it.” The first look at Wembanyama in a …

NBA mock draft: Wembanyama’s French teammate’s draft stock on the rise
1 year, 7 months ago

NBA mock draft: Wembanyama’s French teammate’s draft stock on the rise

The Hindu  

With two weeks until the NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama keeps showing why the San Antonio Spurs should so badly want him. ORLANDO MAGIC: AUSAR THOMPSON, FORWARD, OVERTIME ELITE Amen Thompson’s twin brother has been the Overtime Elite regular season and finals MVP the last two seasons and the 6-7 swingman plays big on defense, twice blocking seven shots in a …

Star-studded crowd watches Victor Wembanyama turn it on late, hours before NBA draft lottery
1 year, 7 months ago

Star-studded crowd watches Victor Wembanyama turn it on late, hours before NBA draft lottery

Associated Press  

PARIS — Hours before finding out his likely destination in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama drew a star-studded crowd in his last regular-season game in France and delivered another game-winning performance in the fourth quarter. The 19-year-old French phenom — and much of the basketball world — then turned their attention to the NBA draft lottery in Chicago later Tuesday. It’s …

Who is Victor Wembanyama? The NBA is about to get the answer to that question
1 year, 7 months ago

Who is Victor Wembanyama? The NBA is about to get the answer to that question

Associated Press  

The Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes has a winner. But the Spurs got the win, and now Wembanyama’s career will start with legendary coach Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s all-time win leader. So, while Wembanyama isn’t officially a member of the Spurs yet, it’s a foregone conclusion that — barring some sort of incredible trade — he’ll be selected by San Antonio in …

The Wembanyama sweepstakes and draft lottery has a winner: It's the Spurs
1 year, 7 months ago

The Wembanyama sweepstakes and draft lottery has a winner: It's the Spurs

China Daily  

File photo of Victor Wembanyama. CHICAGO — Victor Wembanyama is now set to begin his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, after they won the NBA draft lottery and the No 1 overall pick on Tuesday night. "He's an incredible young man," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN as part of its draft lottery broadcast. "I think the team …

NBA Mock Draft 2023: Who goes after Victor Wembanyama? Our beat writers decide
1 year, 7 months ago

NBA Mock Draft 2023: Who goes after Victor Wembanyama? Our beat writers decide

New York Times  

Entering Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery, the Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs had the best odds of landing the No. The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has Scoot Henderson of the G League Ignite, Alabama’s Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson of Overtime Elite and Villanova’s Cam Whitmore rounding out the top five in his 2023 draft top 100 and post-lottery mock …

4 things to know about Victor Wembanyama, the top NBA prospect since LeBron
1 year, 7 months ago

4 things to know about Victor Wembanyama, the top NBA prospect since LeBron

NPR  

4 things to know about Victor Wembanyama, the top NBA prospect since LeBron Enlarge this image toggle caption Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images This year's NBA draft lottery was the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Sponsor Message Here are four things to know about the player, nicknamed Wemby, who is expected to shake things up in the …

Victor Wembanyama to San Antonio? What NBA Draft Lottery win means for the Spurs
1 year, 7 months ago

Victor Wembanyama to San Antonio? What NBA Draft Lottery win means for the Spurs

New York Times  

By Sam Vecenie, James L. Edwards III, Mike Vorkunov and Alex Schiffer The San Antonio Spurs won the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, securing the chance to select French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the No. — Vorkunov "The number one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft goes to…the San Antonio Spurs." 🙌#NBADraftLottery | @Ticketmaster pic.twitter.com/HWpPi17SaK — San Antonio Spurs …

NBA post-lottery Mock Draft 2023: Wembanyama goes No. 1 to Spurs; Henderson to Hornets
1 year, 7 months ago

NBA post-lottery Mock Draft 2023: Wembanyama goes No. 1 to Spurs; Henderson to Hornets

New York Times  

The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery has come and gone, with the San Antonio Spurs winning the No. Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Miller | 6-9 wing | 20 years old | Alabama The Scout: Miller was one of the best players in college basketball this past season. Golden State Warriors Jalen Hood-Schifino | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Indiana …

Victor Wembanyama scouting report: What the San Antonio Spurs are getting
1 year, 7 months ago

Victor Wembanyama scouting report: What the San Antonio Spurs are getting

New York Times  

Here’s everything you need to know about Victor Wembanyama, the 19-year-old French phenom expected to go No. Then he quickly emerged as a first-team player for Nanterre in 2020-21, starting 10 games in the French League and winning the Pro A league’s Best Shot Blocker award as well as its Rising Star award. He won the French League Best Young …

If you don't know basketballer Victor Wembanyama, you will
1 year, 7 months ago

If you don't know basketballer Victor Wembanyama, you will

NPR  

If you don't know basketballer Victor Wembanyama, you will Some people consider French basketball player Victor Wembanyama the greatest NBA draft pick of all time. AILSA CHANG, HOST: Victor Wembanyama - if it's a name you don't know yet, you will soon, especially if you live in San Antonio, Texas. That's because, at tonight's NBA draft lottery, the 14 teams …

NBA Draft: Who is Victor Wembanyama?
1 year, 7 months ago

NBA Draft: Who is Victor Wembanyama?

The Hindu  

The Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes is about to have a winner. The NBA draft lottery is on Tuesday night in Chicago and 14 teams will hope that the ping-pong balls will bounce their way, giving them the No. So, while Wembanyama won’t “officially” be a member of that team yet, it’ll be a foregone conclusion that — barring some sort of …

Where does Victor Wembanyama fit best? NBA Draft Lottery breakdown
1 year, 7 months ago

Where does Victor Wembanyama fit best? NBA Draft Lottery breakdown

New York Times  

On Tuesday night, the NBA will hold its 2023 draft lottery, and nearly half the league’s teams have a chance to win the No. My hunch is that Wembanyama would play power forward alongside Jalen Duren, the league’s youngest player whom Detroit got in the 2022 draft. — Josh Robbins GO DEEPER Victor Wembanyama would change the Wizards’ world — …

NBA Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama still on top; a lot at stake in pre-draft process
1 year, 9 months ago

NBA Mock Draft: Victor Wembanyama still on top; a lot at stake in pre-draft process

New York Times  

As we head into Final Four Week, with only three games left on the men’s college basketball docket, it’s worth an update to The Athletic’s 2023 NBA Mock Draft. Black averaged 13 points, five rebounds and four assists per game this season, but couldn’t consistently punish teams from the outside, making just 30 percent of his attempts from distance. Over …

NBA Mock Draft 2023: What if the Pistons don’t land Victor Wembanyama?
1 year, 10 months ago

NBA Mock Draft 2023: What if the Pistons don’t land Victor Wembanyama?

New York Times  

The Overtime Elite Finals are around the corner. 1 pick and, with that, as good of a chance as any team in the league to draft Victor Wembanyama, arguably the most hyped-up prospect since LeBron James. Detroit Pistons … With the third pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select Brandon Miller out of Alabama. Miller fits on …

Victor Wembanyama, the Detroit Pistons and a Paris courtside peek into the potential future
1 year, 11 months ago

Victor Wembanyama, the Detroit Pistons and a Paris courtside peek into the potential future

New York Times  

PARIS — Bodies were spilling onto the floor. Ten minutes before the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls were set to tip-off in Paris, basketball’s next prodigy walked out onto the floor — draped in a rugged denim top, slick black pants, a cream man purse and a pair of size 20.5 white kicks that looked like two miniature dogs. Pistons …

Victor Wembanyama NBA Draft tracker: Scouting report, updates on the potential 2023 No. 1 pick
2 years, 1 month ago

Victor Wembanyama NBA Draft tracker: Scouting report, updates on the potential 2023 No. 1 pick

New York Times  

The Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes are on, as the 7-foot-4 18-year-old has officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. Highlights Putback dunk off his own stepback 3 🤯 https://t.co/ARkuLYGsAI pic.twitter.com/fXgjzrIAmO — NBA April 2, 2023 Des deux côtés 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/nnwxLvYNyW — NBA France March 28, 2023 This Victor Wembanyama game-winning putback dunk 🤯 pic.twitter.com/EeR9jvXXyd — NBA January 9, 2023 I don't …

Wembanyama wows to leave NBA craving more
2 years, 3 months ago

Wembanyama wows to leave NBA craving more

China Daily  

Victor Wembanyama HENDERSON, Nevada — Victor Wembanyama didn't wait long to make an impression. The 7-foot-4 French phenomenon from the club Metropolitans 92 blocked shots at the rim and on the perimeter, got rebounds, ran the floor, set screens, scored on a nifty spin move, showed off his ability to dribble, dove for a loose ball and even played point …

NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama shines against G-League side
2 years, 3 months ago

NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama shines against G-League side

The Hindu  

With an 8-foot wingspan and the smooth shooting touch of a point guard despite his towering frame, French prodigy Victor Wembanyama didn’t disappoint in his first US appearance. Wembanyana, 18, flew to Nevada with his French league team to showcase the skills that many informed observers believe will make him the number one pick in next year’s NBA draft. Despite …

Victor Wembanyama, the French teenage star, wows NBA folks in Vegas
2 years, 3 months ago

Victor Wembanyama, the French teenage star, wows NBA folks in Vegas

LA Times  

Victor Wembanyama, who plays for Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92’s, drives around G League Ignite’s Sidy Cissoko during an exhibition game Tuesday in Las Vegas. Scoot Henderson of G League Ignite elevates Victor Wembanyama of Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92’s for a layup Tuesday. One NBA executive said Wembanyama’s potential was essentially limitless, a true “one of one” player. Asked about his potential for …

AP Interview: 1-on-1 with NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama
2 years, 3 months ago

AP Interview: 1-on-1 with NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Victor Wembanyama’s favorite players in the NBA right now are Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. “I’m gonna tell you something that’s been going on in my life, like for my whole life, since I’ve been a kid, even before I played basketball,” Wembanyama said. “My goal,” he said, “is to be like something you’ve never seen.” He …

2023 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick: Why many think Victor Wembanyama is already locked in
2 years, 6 months ago

2023 NBA Draft’s No. 1 pick: Why many think Victor Wembanyama is already locked in

New York Times  

In this myopic world, it’s hard not to always think of the next thing or the next season. He scored 18 points, hitting 4 of 5 3s, and grabbed six rebounds against AX Armani Exchange Milan — the league’s third-place team — in April. He’s gonna be a rich man one day.” For more on what Wembanyama is capable of, …

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