Victor Wembanyama reacts to Shaq questioning him, comments on his weight gain / News - Basketnews.com

Victor Wembanyama feels like he is ready to physically match up against Zion Williamson, Joel Embiid, or Nikola Jokic.

Victor Wembanyama is putting in extra work whenever the opportunity comes up. That makes him confident in responding to Shaquille O'Neal, who questioned Wembanyama's readiness to match up with some of the strongest NBA bigs.

Shaquille O'Neal

Position:CAge:50Height:216 cmWeight:147 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

The projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft just finished an exciting half-court shot contest, with Axel Toupane stealing the spotlight from other French national team members by sinking two long bombs.

Wembanyama didn't connect a single half-court three. But every time the 2.21 m French prospect missed, he went to the other side of the court to launch a few long-range shots.

When it was his turn again, the 18-year-old returned to the huddle for another try and did his 3-point routine after.

After French players stopped laughing and got changed on the sidelines of Panevezio arena, Wembanyama was one of the last three guys to stay for extra free throws or post-ups.

French senior national team rookie is taking every opportunity to improve. That's what makes him confident in responding to Shaquille O'Neal.

"I haven't really seen anybody pressure him. I've seen a lot of offense. But when you're playing against the 7-footer, you got to take it to him. The true test is when he gets there, and Zion is going to come at him. Embiid is going to come at him. Joker is going to come at him. So that will be a true test," Shaq shared his views on Wembanyama's potential in House of Bounce.

"Right now, all the clips I'm seeing on him are just about him offensively. 7'3, with a great soft touch, and he plays like a guard. But it depends on him if he wants to be the best big man ever," he concluded.

"Not far at all," Wembanyama responded to BasketNews when asked if he still feels far from matching up physically with some of the strongest NBA frontcourt players.

"I play against probably the best competition than any other player of my age on the planet. I know I almost couldn't face better competition. I know I'm ready," Wembanyama said with confidence.

He didn't reveal his current weight. So far, he's listed from 95 to 105 kilos.

"I really try to focus on my ability to resist contact and to play through games for 30-35 minutes. So right now, my concern isn't really the weight in numbers, but it's the results on the court. I think I'm doing great with that," Wembanyama said BasketNews.

Wembanyama averages 21.3 points (2FG: 58.1%; 3FG: 33.3%, FT: 75%), 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 blocks in 31 minutes of play in the top French division.

His team, Metropolitans 92 Boulogne-Levallois, ranks second in the competition.

Wembanyama is preparing for his French senior national team debut in the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

France is facing Lithuania away on Friday and hosting Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.

Victor Wembanyama highlights

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