[Editor’s note: We published this in 2022.]
Victor Wembanyama, the 18-year-old French big man who is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is coming to the United States.
As first reported by Rafael Barlowe, the international sensation will play in a friendly matchup against the G League Ignite. Wembanyama, who plays for Metropolitans 92, will face Scoot Henderson — who is another top prospect in the class.
ESPN confirmed the reporting, adding that Wembanyama and Henderson are set to play against each other on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6 outside of Las Vegas. But the most interesting tidbit came from Draft Express founder Jonathan Givony (via ESPN):
“The 18-year old Wembanyama, who recently measured 7-foot-4 barefoot with an 8-foot wingspan, has wowed NBA executives for the past three years with his exceptional combination of fluidity, perimeter skill, shot-blocking instincts and feel for the game, and has cemented himself as the likely No. 1 pick, barring a major surprise. He was named French LNB Pro A Best Young Player two years in a row and made his EuroLeague debut last season.”
Givony reported that the 18-year-old Wembanyama measured at 7-foot-4 barefoot (!) with an 8-foot wingspan. Let’s take a step back and put that in context with some fast facts.