Basketball: Wembanyama crowned basketball player of the year by the French Federation

2023-10-14 22:05:07

Is this the start of a long – and inexorable – reign? The question needs to be asked. Friday evening, just a few hours before his second preseason match with the San Antonio Spurs during which he once again showcased his unique talent, Victor Wembanyama officially received the Alain Gilles trophy. Awarded by the French Federation, which is organizing its General Assembly this weekend at Puy-du-Fou, this prize designates the basketball player of the year. He was elected by a jury of specialists and by the public. The native of Chesnay succeeds Laëtitia Guapo on the list.

A logical reward as Wemby has left its giant mark (size 55) in recent months. Before becoming the first Frenchman to be called up for first place in the NBA draft, he flew through the Betclic Élite championship last season under the colors of the Metropolitans. A team that he had led to the final of the playoffs. He also carried out a real raid during the LNB individual trophies by winning the titles of MVP, best scorer, best rebounder, best blocker, best prospect and best defender of the season. Unheard of in the history of the League. At only 18 years old, he was also elected MVP of the All Star Game at the Accor Arena at the end of December.

He filled theaters all over France

Above all, the floor artist had caused an unprecedented craze in French basketball, filling rooms in the four corners of France solely on his name. Everyone across France wanted to see the prodigy and his arabesques before his flight to the United States and the NBA. A unique fervor which notably allowed his club to relocate matches to the Accor Arena and Roland-Garros.

After making his debut with the French team during the qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup, he ended up declining selection for this competition to devote his summer to preparing for his first season in the NBA with San Antonio. Successful and promising first steps in the Spurs jersey for the future. Victor Wembanyama should make his return to the blue tunic next summer during the Paris Olympic Games.

Now considered the standard bearer of French basketball, destined to become one of the most spectacular and dominant players in the NBA, Wembanyama should add other Alain-Gilles trophies to his shelves in the coming years. His reign is probably only just beginning.

Marine Johannès, winner of the French Championship, of the Eurocup with Asvel but at the heart of a psychodrama with the Federation and absent from the Women’s Euro in June due to her desire to join the New York franchise with whom she is currently playing in the WNBA final, finishing 2nd. “MJ” topped the audience before the jury vote. Sandrine Gruda, same record as Johannès under the colors of Asvel, but bronze medalist of the Euro and elected in the ideal five of the tournament, completes the podium.