Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ready to steer ship for France in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

He is the captain now.

After leading the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, Victor Wembanyama will now carry France in the latest window of the FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.

Wembanyama has vowed to suit up, giving France a dominant force on both ends. France will face Slovenia on August 28 and Sweden on August 30.

While he is only 22 years old, the talented center has showcased his maturity and leadership with the Spurs. Now, he will try to do that with Les Bleus, as he was named captain for the upcoming tournament.

It must be quite the honor for the two-time All-Star, who grew up following the national team and dreaming of representing his beloved country one day.

Wembanyama last played for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a silver medal after falling short to Team USA in the championship tilt.

Les Bleus are looking to qualify for the FIBA World Cup for the sixth straight time. They have never finished higher than third place in the global conclave, winning the bronze medal in 2014 and 2019.

Wembanyama stressed that playing for France is always more significant than playing in the NBA, as reported by BasketNews.

“It means more because you wear it for much shorter periods of time. The intensity of the Olympic Games, for example, is something that happens over a matter of weeks, so everything is decided in the moment,” said Wembanyama.

Wembanyama will lead France, along with Rudy Gobert, Maxime Raynaud, Evan Fournier, and Matthew Strazel. They lead Group L with a 5-1 record.