Projected No. 1 overall pick and SLAM 240 cover star Victor Wembanyama led the French national team to a 2-0 finish at the latest FIBA World Cup qualifying event last week. They are currently 8-2 after the fifth qualifying FIBA World Cup window.
Have you seen a basketball player like this? No, you haven’t.
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 3, 2022
Victor Wembanyama covers SLAM 240. https://t.co/7XlmKr6Qrr pic.twitter.com/4pgLywxohB
France will advance to Group K of the FIBA Basketball World Cup along with Lithuania (8-2). The top three teams from each World Cup qualifying group will punch their ticket to the tournament. Montenegro (6-4), Bosnia and Herzegovina (5-5), and Hungary (5-5) remain in contention for the final berth.
The skillset at his height. Victor Wembanyama. Ridiculous. @FIBAWC #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/xrJoFRZ7zs
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 14, 2022
France beat Lithuania 95-60 and Bosnia and Herzegovina 92-56. Wembanyama made his debut with the French national team against Lithuania, dropping 20 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal on 6-13 shooting from the field and 7-7 from the free-throw line.
Wembanaya was a two-way monster during his national team debut, showing that his inside-out dominance was no joke. The projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft had several putback jams off his four offensive rebounds and connected on a triple in the second-half while France coasted to a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Victor Wembanyama had 20 points and 9 rebounds in just 23 minutes in his French national team debut. #FIBAWC
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 14, 2022
Watch him play TODAY at 2:30 PM EST in the @FIBAWC qualifiers only on @courtside1891. Use code SLAM-15 to get 15% off. https://t.co/Q4JchP5KcU pic.twitter.com/9HdayAj7id
During his second game, Wembanyama recorded a team-high 19 points, four rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and one assist on 7-15 shooting from the field and 3-6 from downtown in 24 minutes of action against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 7’4 center was active on both ends of the court and was dominant in the paint. He used his size and skill to outwork the opposition and connected with his teammates on a few lobs. He even hit a one-legged three early in the game.
The skillset at his height. Victor Wembanyama. Ridiculous. @FIBAWC #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/xrJoFRZ7zs
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 14, 2022
France will play the Czech Republic and Lithuania on Feb 23. and Feb. 26, respectively.
Victor Wembanyama is THAT confident. #FIBAWC
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 14, 2022
Watch the @FIBAWC qualifier LIVE on @courtside1891 now. Use code SLAM-15 to get 15% off. https://t.co/Q4JchPnTr2 pic.twitter.com/PKuSKjIZyy
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will run from Aug. 25-Sept. 10.
