Tony Parker praises Wembanyama: 'I haven't seen a player like him before' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: SIPA–Scanpix, Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit SIPA–Scanpix, Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama is projected as the next generational-type talent to come out of Europe emerging as a favorite to land first in the 2023 NBA draft.

Victor Wembanyama

Team:LDLC ASVEL VilleurbannePosition:CAge:18Height:218 cmWeight:95 kgBirth place:FranceProfileNewsStatistics

At the age of 18, he has already proved his worth in the EuroLeague with LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne.

In the 2021-22 season, Wembanyama played in 13 EuroLeague games, averaging 17 minutes, 6.5 points (2FG: 37.3%; 3FG: 30.3%; FT: 66.7%), 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 5.5 PIR per game.

He led the major European competition in blocks on average.

Despite the confident play in the EuroLeague, Wembanyama decided to switch the direction entering the draft year. Recently he joined Metropolitans 92 Paris on a two-year deal.

Nevertheless, four-time NBA champ and six-time All-Star Tony Parker, who is a majority owner of Wembanyama's former team (ASVEL), thinks that the French prospect has a very bright future ahead of him.

"He's a great human being, a great kid, and very talented. It's hard to know how high he can go. That's the beauty of him and that's why I think every GM in the NBA thinks he is going to be number one. The sky is the limit for him. He can do anything he wants," Parker told ESPN.

Asked if he has seen a player like Wembanyama before, the San Antonio Spurs legend was clear.

"No. I don't know how to compare him when people ask me. He is very unique because he runs like a guard, he shoots like a guard but he is 7-foot-3 and he is super long, his wingspan is unbelievable. He wants to win and his mental is great too. Mentally, he wants to be the best. So, that's the best part," Parker extended on Wembanyama's strengths.

Victor Wembanyama is also included in France's preliminary roster for EuroBasket 2022.

He is set to make his debut with the men's national team. The top talent was a dominant force at the 2019 U-16 European Championship and 2021 U-19 World Cup.

In the latter competition, Wembanyama averaged 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.7 blocks per game and was named to the all-tournament team after leading France to the silver medal. Wembanyama set the FIBA record for blocks per match in a single tournament.

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