Photo: FIBA
Victor Wembanyama, The Best Basketball Prospect In The World
Meet Victor Wembanyama, a 16-year old, 7’3″ big man from France, who is considered the best basketball prospect on earth.
Wembanyama has been turning heads among scouts and journalists for a while now, but recently was presented to a broader audience, when his workout video with 2-time NBA defensive player of the year, and fellow frenchman, Rudy Gobert went viral.
In the video, Wembanyama is showcasing an utterly impressive skillset for someone his age and size especially.
Two minutes of 16-year-old phenom Victor Wembanyama and two-time NBA DPOY Rudy Gobert going at it during 2-on-2 in France. Wembanyama's skill level, agility and incredible length are on full display. Arguably the best prospect in the world regardless of age. pic.twitter.com/4ES1jNyMB6
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) October 18, 2020
Scouts around the entire globe are certain that he is the best player in his age group and that he’d be a lottery pick in next year’s draft. The problem? He only will be eligible in 2022 or 2023.
Wembanyama can do it all; drain 3-pointers, handle the ball like a guard, and defend. He currently plays for Nanterre 92 in France’s Pro A, a club that has brought out Rudy Gobert, Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, and Evan Fournier, but his future likely is in one of Europe’s big clubs, before being eligible for the NBA.
At the Under-18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas earlier this year, Wembanyama had absolutely ridiculous per 36 averages of 20.7 points, 15.3 rebounds, 7.6 blocks and 3.5 steals. All while having just turned 16, and against players who were up to two and half years older than him.
Last night, Wembanyama made his debut in the French pro league NM1 and scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and collected seven blocks, and it certainly won’t be the last time you’ve heard of him.
🏀 22 points, 10 rebonds, 7 contres et 32 d'évaluation 🏀
Pas mal la première sortie de @vicw_32 avec le #PôleFrance en #NM1 pic.twitter.com/mpsvdtIuv5— Fédération Française de BasketBall (@ffbasketball) October 21, 2020
