Wenbenyama 1st pick drafted by spurs

Refense, Monday, June 26, 2023.  

Wembanyama, the 19-year-old French basketball star, had been perhaps the most-hyped prospect since LeBron James. (Article courtesy of the New York Times)

Victor Wembanyama had grown up in the suburbs of Paris dreaming about this moment since he was 12 years old. He had long felt as though he was different from everyone else, as though he could be great — and not just in basketball.

He’d spent the past several months, and even the last few days, exuding cool calm about his future. But when his moment finally arrived, he couldn’t help but cry.

The San Antonio Spurs selected Wembanyama No. 1 overall in Thursday’s N.B.A. draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. In doing so, they officially started the N.B.A. career of one of the most highly anticipated prospects in league history.

“One of the best feelings of my life,” Wembanyama, 19, said. “Probably the best night of my life. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. It’s a dream come true. It’s incredible.”