He is the greatest hope of French basketball and well beyond. In a year, he could be called the first pick in the NBA draft. But when the NBA boss calls his name, Victor Wembanyama will no longer be associated with Asvel. The giant (18 years old, 2m19), champion of France 2022 without participating in the final because of an injury with the club of Tony Parker, has exercised his exit clause as expected, a year before the end of his contract.
Neither his entourage, nor Asvel who will do his utmost until the last moment to convince him to stay, confirm the information. But it is the one that filters despite the desire of the Villeurbanne boss to keep it at all costs. “We want to build everything around him next season. He will be at the heart of the project, the focal point. I hope he will decide to stay with us,” Tony Parker told us the day after the title, on June 26.
If Victor Wembanyama does not change his mind, the blow is hard for Asvel. But what matters now is where the 219cm phenomenon will bounce back after a season plagued by injuries and playing time that has not satisfied those around him.
Vincent Collet: the weighty argument of Boulogne-Levallois
All the clubs on the planet are ready to welcome him with open arms. But the choice of the giant always seems to be directed towards its region of origin, Île-de-France, to get closer to its own. Born in Chesnay and trained in Nanterre, two tracks are available to him. The hottest remains Paris and Paris Basketball. The club had already positioned itself before joining Asvel and the two parties have always remained in contact.
At the start of the school year, Paris Basketball, which narrowly ensured its maintenance in BetClic Elite, will play the Eurocup, the second European Cup after the Euroleague. This prospect will ensure international visibility for Wembanyama and significant playing time. Two arguments that weigh in the balance if we add the presence of a coach, Jean-Christophe Prat, renowned for his training.
Another track has arisen in recent hours: the Metropolitans of Boulogne-Levallois. Even if the future of the club remains uncertain, the Mets have in their haversack an argument that weighs: Vincent Collet. The coach of the France team who did not wish to discuss his future during the gathering of the Blues for the next two qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup should remain on the bench of the “Mets” for another season.
With an enticing project: to shape the Wembanyama diamond before the big leap into the NBA in 2023 and the selection for Paris 2024 of which he should be part. Being under the coach’s orders also seems to be an offer that interests the Wembanyama clan. Paris Basketball or Boulogne-Levallois? The choice is in the great hands of Victor Wembanyama and his entourage. It is expected in the next few days.