Victor Wembanyama in Paris: The face of French basketball

01/21/2025 01:00 PM

Wemby is the tip of the iceberg for French basketball

The San Antonio Spurs are in Paris for two NBA regular-season games against the Indiana Pacers, marking a homecoming of sorts for French phenom Victor Wembanyama. As Wemby himself recently shared, he never imagined he'd have the chance to play an NBA game in his hometown so early in his career. It's clear that the league is eager to showcase his global appeal, but this event is about more than just one star — it highlights a broader movement: the rise of French basketball and the incredible talent pipeline producing back-to-back No. 1 NBA draft picks, with Wembanyama in 2023 and Zaccharie Risacher in 2024.

For Victor, this trip is also a moment to reflect on his roots. Paris, the host city for the 2024 Olympics, where he earned a silver medal against Team USA, a memory that ties into the bigger story of French basketball's remarkable ascent.

France in the late 80s early 90s: another world

The roots of this journey stretch back to the early '90s. In May 1993, the French National League (LNB) held its All-Star Game in Évreux, a town just west of Paris. That year, I had the chance to meet an 18-year-old Olivier Saint-Jean and his mother. Olivier was a rising star in French basketball and a local talent from Évreux, which made the event even more special. Like Victor, Olivier hailed from the suburbs of Paris, born in Versailles, not far from Vic's birthplace in Le Chesnay.

Back then, France's basketball talent development system was evolving. INSEP (the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance) existed but wasn't yet the powerhouse it is today. Instead, many young players like me climbed the ranks from regional variety teams, through U15 - U19 national teams to Espoirs teams—U22 squads affiliated with pro clubs. These teams provided a critical path to playing professionally, blending youth development with opportunities to train alongside seasoned players. Clubs like Élan Béarnais Orthez, ASVEL, and Cholet were particularly renowned for nurturing young talent, with players like Antoine Rigaudeau showing the way.

Tariq Abul Wahad: the trailblazer

But in 1993, Olivier took a different route, breaking tradition by choosing to play college basketball in the United States at the University of Michigan. At the time, it was almost unthinkable—a young French player turning down the proven path in France to take a chance with the NCAA. Especially the Wolverines, only 2 years removed from a Champioship game with their Fab Five! Yet, Olivier thrived, eventually transferring to San Jose State, where he became a star and was drafted 11th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 1997, yes Timmy's year. By then Olivier had converted to Islam, and as Tariq Abdul-Wahad, he became the first French player to compete in the NBA.

This pivotal moment highlighted the need for change in France's development model. The French Basketball Federation recognized the risk of losing its brightest prospects to international opportunities, and specifically the NCAA. INSEP responded by enhancing its programs, giving young players more chances to compete against experienced pros, with the U17 INSEP team, as well as a bridge back to pro clubs for the best talents. This evolution helped produce a golden generation of players, including Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and Rony Turiaf, whose journey began at INSEP before they achieved global success in the NBA and with the French National Team.

Back in those days, information was scarce. With no internet, young basketball fans like myself relied on MaxiBasket our monthly magazine and Canal+ NBA TV coverage to stay informed. I still remember the posters of my favorite players—David Robinson was my hero, even amid the Bulls' Michael Jordan-dominated era.

New media, new paths

Fast forward to today, and the basketball landscape has transformed. Social media, YouTube, and smartphones have revolutionized scouting, bringing opportunities—and challenges—for young players. Talented prospects are identified earlier than ever, and many now choose to develop their skills abroad. Players like Sidy Cissoko (who moved to Baskonia in Spain at just 13!) and Alex Sarr (who joined Real Madrid's youth team at 14) are blazing new trails, embracing global experiences and adapting to life away from home.

While these paths offer invaluable personal growth and exposure, they also highlight a trade-off. Compared to players who stay in France, progress through INSEP, and compete against professionals in the LNB, some overseas prospects may miss out on mastering the fundamentals of the game. An issue similar to the NCAA's inability to prepare young players for the rigor of the NBA professional expectations.

Victor's unique journey

Victor Wembanyama's journey to the NBA is a testament to his unique blend of early talent recognition and personal determination. Standing at 7 feet tall by age 13, he was hard to overlook. At 15, he considered moving to Spain but chose to stay with Nanterre, valuing his close relationship with his coach and the freedom to develop his versatile skills beyond a traditional center. The French National scouting system supported his growth, enrolling him in U16 and U19 teams for international competitions, even when he was one year or two years younger than his teammates. Training and playing with Nanterre's pro team at a young age mirrored the path of Antoine Rigaudeau 30 years prior with Cholet.

Wembanyama's development continued with ASVEL, aiming to play in the Euroleague. However, differing coaching styles led him to Metropolitans 92, where an entire team was organized to nurture France's top prospect. Under head coach Vincent Collet, Wembanyama showcased his talents, including impressive performances against the G League Ignite in Las Vegas. Dominating the French LNB League, he became the first French player to be selected as the number one NBA draft pick. This path was a collaborative effort, with the French basketball federation keen on maximizing his potential, especially with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.

Still, this is the beauty of basketball: no single path guarantees success. Whether players follow a traditional route, break the mold, or carve their own journey, the future is bright for French basketball. The sport's global reach, driven by stars like Wemby, connects communities, inspires the next generation, and reminds us all that the game transcends borders.