LOS ANGELES (AFP) – French San Antonio Spurs player Victor Vembanyama scored 20 points in his strong start during the American professional basketball league’s (NBA) preseason opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. 122-121 on Monday.
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Wimpanyama (19 years old and 2.24 meters tall), tops the 2023 draft’s rookie list and is widely viewed as a once-in-a-generation talent, preparing for his first season in the American League.
The French center finished with twenty points after hitting eight of 13 shots in addition to five rebounds, two steals and a block.
Wembey only played 19 minutes and 22 seconds, but his combination of size and skill showed some very promising displays.
“I thought it was good,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of Wimpanyama’s performance.
“There was no big game plan for him or anything like that. He just went out and played basketball, which is what he loves to do and he’s good at it,” he continued.
“We’re still figuring out where we can use his talents more. I’m not sure he’s fully aware of what he’s capable of. But he’s a smart guy, so he’ll figure it out even if I don’t.”
For his part, Wimpanyama expressed his satisfaction with his performance in his first match, saying, “As far as the match is concerned, this is what I expected.”
He continued, “I’m very confident because in the first half we produced some great attacks.”
He added, “I’m a starter, so all I have to do is play hard and give 100 percent… I’ve tried to give my energy all the time. But I can do better.”
© 2023 AFP
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