Victor Wembanyama isn’t letting the hype surrounding him being the greatest NBA prospect since LeBron James get to his head. Though the the 19-year-old, Le Chesnay, France native is certainly the most special player to come along in a long time, with athleticism and a skillset that belies his staggering 7’4″ frame, Wembanyama is still level-headed enough to approach the expectations of the upcoming NBA Draft this Thursday, where he’s expected to be selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, with poise.
“No. I don’t feel any pressure on my shoulders,” Wemby said in response to how much pressure he felt going into NBA Draft night and all the hoopla that would follow on the “The Old Man and the Three” podcast with JJ Redick. “I think the reason is because I try to live free, I’m sort of like free-minded at all times. The way I play is just the way I truly want to play, and I’ve wanted to play my whole life.β
When asked about being the most hyped NBA prospect since the legendary LeBron James (considered by some to be the greatest player of all time), player who had been scouted since he was in high school and had some of his games televised nationally before he’d been drafted professionally in similar fashion, Wemby admitted that the seemingly high praise could be misleading.
βItβs not like a reward when [the media says] that,” Wemby admitted.
Wembanyama won the MVP Award last season in the LNB Pro A, the highest-tier of professional basketball in France. He averaged 21.6 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3 blocks per game. He also secured the Best Young Player, Best Defender, Best Scorer, and Best Blocker awards.
What do you think of the comments made by Victor Wembanyama on being the most hyped NBA prospect since LeBron James? Do you think he’ll be picked first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft? Do you think he’ll live up to the hype when he starts playing in the NBA? Let us know in the comments.
