Victor Wembanyama, the highly touted No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, has made the decision to withdraw from representing France in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Wembanyama revealed his change of plans in an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, citing the need to concentrate on preparing for his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs.
In explaining his choice, Wembanyama stated, “It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health. I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”
The talented 7’4″ power forward emphasized that adding the World Cup to his already demanding schedule would be overwhelming, particularly after leading his Metropolitans 92 team to the French League finals, which concluded on June 15. Following the conclusion of the finals, Wembanyama traveled to New York for the draft before heading to San Antonio, where he was officially introduced as a member of the Spurs in a press conference.
While Wembanyama won’t participate in the World Cup, he affirmed his intention to represent France in the 2024 Olympics, which means a full summer of basketball following the conclusion of his rookie season. Taking into account the potential 62 games in the French League and around 82 or more games in the NBA if the Spurs make the postseason, Wembanyama recognized that adding the World Cup to his schedule would amount to an approximate total of 170 games within a 24-month period.
Despite his decision, Wembanyama still plans to be active during at least some of the San Antonio Spurs’ Summer League games. The team is set to participate in the California Classic before heading to the Las Vegas league. Wembanyama assured that the Spurs supported his choice, whether he played in the World Cup or not, and he arrived at the decision after consulting with his personal medical staff.
France, who won the silver medal in the most recent Olympics, was considered a strong contender in the upcoming World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10 across the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
