San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama on Tuesday reaffirmed his plan to play for his country in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on July 11-Aug. 11.
Wembanyama, who was born in Le Chesnay, stated his intentions to French media during a press conference for “Un1que,” a documentary that followed him last season with Metropolitans 92. He is expected to be among a large contingent of NBA players that will suit up for France.
“Succeeding in the Olympics would be a great story,” Wembanyama said, via L’Equipe. “There will be no goal other than gold. I will of course be present at the Olympics.”
Wembanyama debuted with the French senior team last year in the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, averaging 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and one assist. He has also played twice with the junior team, most recently in the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
The No. 1 pick opted against participating with France in the FIBA Basketball World Cup this summer. He intended to play but ultimately decided to sit out in order to prepare for his upcoming rookie season with the Spurs.
Without Wembanyama, France failed to make it to the second round of the tournament with players like Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert on the roster. Despite an early exit, France, as the host country, is among eight countries already qualified for the 2024 Games.
“I watched the World Cup and the result was very disappointing,” Wembanyama said. “However, I am not worried. I have no judgment to make, I was not on the team and it is in the hands of top-level players. I feel that this does not alter the opportunity to do something big in Paris next year.”
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