Ismael Kamagate wants to follow Wembanyama's path, draws inspiration from Milan's vets / News - Basketnews.com

Ismael Kamagate talks to BasketNews about his role with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, the discussion he had with Ettore Messina before he signed, and his NBA future. The French prospect also explains why he thinks he can follow in Victor Wembanyama's footsteps.

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio/Getty Images

After four years in Paris,Ismael Kamagateleaped into the EuroLeague by joining the ranks ofEA7 Emporio Armani Milanlast summer.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan / Schedule

Olympiacos Piraeus EA7 Emporio Armani Milan79-74 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan FC Bayern MunichFri19:30 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan ALBA BerlinTue19:30 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade01-1119:30

The French big man was born in Paris to a family of Ivorian origins and first picked up a basketball at the age of 12 in his hometown before making his professional debut with Orleans.

In 2021-22, he debuted in the top French league and finished the season with 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while being named Defensive Player of the Year.

Over the last season with Paris Basketball, he averaged 9.9 points and grabbed 7.5 rebounds per game. He also left his mark on the EuroCup, where he ranked 1st in blocks (1.5), 4th in rebounds (8.4), and 11th in Performance Index Rating (17.2).

Having signed a two-year contract with Milan, Kamagate is now taking his first steps at Europe's top level.

In a stacked front line comprising the likes ofNikola Mirotic,Johannes Voigtmann,Nicolo Melli, andKyle Hines, Kamagate is trying to hold his ground and convince coachEttore Messinathat he deserves more playing time than the three minutes per game he's been averaging so far.

"I feel more and more confident after every game," he says. "I see some flashes in me when I'm on the court or in practice. That makes me believe that I can play at this level."

But he's not alone on that one.

Kamagate was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 46th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft before the Denver Nuggets acquired his rights. There are high expectations for the French prospect in Colorado.

Unlike Victor Wembanyama, who thrived with Boulogne-Levallois last season following a rather meager stint with ASVEL in the LNB and the EuroLeague, Kamagate is looking for ways to establish himself, regardless of whether he ends up getting the type of public attention that the Spurs' big man has been relishing lately.

Ismael Kamagate Victor WembanyamaCredit Herve Bellenger/Icon Sport via Getty Images

"He's had a big impact on me," Kamagate says of Wembanyama. "I like the way he

Sign up for our premium membership and access exclusive content Subscribe Not ready to subscribe yet? Unlock this page for only 1€ Unlock (1€)