From failed debut to a successful second game. He lit up the game and asserted his number one status in the draft. Victor Wembanyama took part in his second Summer League match with San Antonio on Sunday, losing 80 to 85. Opposed to Portland, the interior, black jersey and white flocking on the back, had to free himself from the pressure he accumulated the season. This was the case with a desire that jumped out at you, double-double as a bonus.
Brilliantly, the French compiled 27 points, recovered 12 rebounds in 27 minutes while being, once again, a high level protector (3 blocks). Above all, where he was expected, the Spurs player corrected the shooting target (9/14). Enough to rekindle the fervor of Thomas
Friday, during his first appearance with the jersey of the Texas franchise, Victor Wembanyama, 19, was in difficulty offensively with an obvious lack of precision (2/13 on shots). This lackluster performance had raised some questions about its future adaptation. “I felt lost on the floor,” conceded the French prodigy. On Sunday, the interior convinced everyone.
Some inaccuracies remained in the first quarter, within a weak Spurs team, but the tricolor made the choice to approach the basket, with authority. At the start of the third quarter, an action symbolized the overflowing activity of the French on Sunday: missed shot, offensive rebound, close shot, basket with the fault as a bonus. The desire was there, the smiles also of the thousands of spectators of the room in the south of Las Vegas. “Here in the Summer League, there is more space on the floor (compared to the Betclic Elite), more talent too, I prefer.” judged Wembanyama.
Saturday, during a communication operation with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (best player in the league in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), the interior had mentioned his adaptation. “I’m just a rookie, I still have to learn everything. I didn’t really know what I was doing (during the first match, editor’s note), and the next matches I probably won’t know either … It will come with time, ”said Wembanyama, also recalling his young age: “I’m like a kid right now, but I’m ready to learn.”
“You have things to learn, but we feel that you are an intelligent young man, and you will get there”, had abounded the former pivot with six championship titles, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Spot on, the interior has already been able to make adjustments, which have paid off.
Wembanyama will continue to work this summer and breathe, too. “I feel like I really need a rest,” he said on Friday. The Frenchman’s season is probably finally over, he who refused to participate in the World Cup with the Blues. Now up to the NBA: “For me the real first, it will be in October,” had projected Victor Wembanyama. The signal sent by Spurs with the extension of legendary coach Gregg Popovich for the next five seasons has been received. “It’s a sign from him and from the franchise that they are counting on this project” appreciated the prodigy on Sunday.
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