Victor Wembanyama Prepares for Olympics Amid Political Reflections
Blocked by the agreements between FIBA and the NBA, which prohibit American League players from starting opposition training more than 28 days before the start of a tournament, Victor Wembanyama will begin Olympic preparation with the French team starting this Friday, June 28. Before putting on his size 55 sneakers, he sat down at Insep this Thursday to talk about politics, the draft, and the Games.
Political Opinions and NBA Aspirations
When asked about his position for the next legislative elections, Wembanyama emphasized the importance of moving away from extremes, reflecting a personal opinion that he believes is crucial for the country's direction. He also expressed immense pride in the NBA fantasy draft for French basketball, stating that achieving number one twice is not enough and that his focus is on how he can help French basketball through performance.
Wembanyama also offered advice to fellow French player Zaccharie Risacher, urging him to stay true to himself and not succumb to pressure. He is excited to share the field with teammates, especially Rudy Gobert, and is looking forward to the challenges and pleasures of the Games.
Preparation and Expectations for the Olympic Games
Wembanyama approaches the Olympic Games with the same dedication he has for other aspects of his life. He views participating in the Games as both a dream and a goal, considering it the most important event in the world. He is particularly eager to form a strong defensive pair with Rudy Gobert, aiming to achieve unprecedented success for French basketball. Despite last year's World Cup failure, Wembanyama remains optimistic and focused on the upcoming Olympic challenges.
Regarding the American team, Wembanyama expressed excitement about potentially facing them, considering it a dream for any basketball player. He remains cautious about predicting the difficulty of the Olympic tournament, noting that conclusions can only be drawn after the competition.
- In a related political context, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that the new French government, emerging from the upcoming legislative elections, will continue to support Ukraine against Russia. Zelensky's comments come amid concerns that the far-right National Rally (RN) party, known for its proximity to Vladimir Putin's regime, could gain power.
- Zelensky praised France's unwavering solidarity with Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 and expressed hope that the new government would remain committed to European values and a united Europe. He emphasized the importance of France's independence from Russia and its continued support for Ukraine both on the battlefield and in its EU accession efforts.
- President Emmanuel Macron, a staunch supporter of Zelensky, faces the possibility of cohabiting with a far-right prime minister who might reconsider the extent of military aid to Ukraine. Macron has transformed from a mediator to a key supporter of Ukraine in Europe, advocating for increased support from other states, including Germany. The RN party, led by Jordan Bardella, opposes sending French troops to Ukraine and delivering long-range missiles capable of striking Russian territory.
