‘It’s about patriotism’ – Victor Wembanyama expresses what it feels like to play for France

France is hosting the 2024 Olympics, and the local audience expects gold, particularly in basketball, following a dismal performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They are putting up a formidable squad, with Victor Wembanyama competing in his first big competition.

Victor Wembanyama, following a spectacular rookie NBA season, has lofty goals, namely to represent the French national team. As a rookie in the NBA, he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and an amazing 3.6 blocks per game for the San Antonio Spurs. France will host the Olympic Games, which will increase the pressure to perform.

Looking at France's frontcourt lineup, which includes Mathias Lessort, Rudy Gobert, Vincent Poirier, and Victor Wembanyama, it's evident that some difficult decisions will have to be made. However, it is clear that the San Antonio Spurs player is someone Vincent Collet takes seriously.

According to Basketball Sphere, Victor Wembanyama stated, “Playing in the French jersey gives me special motivation and energy. It’s about patriotism and it’s a big part of what I want to achieve in my career. I cannot accept losing to any other team.”

Victor Wembanyama wants to win gold

The French national team's full roster consists of 19 players. The current world champions Germany, Japan, and the victor of the Riga qualifying event will be their rivals in the Olympic preliminary round. Latvia, Georgia, the Philippines, Brazil, Cameroon, and Montenegro are among the nations vying for a place in Paris. 

Victor Wembanyama believes that at a home tournament, only a gold medal will do, despite the intense competition. France's Gobert and Wembanyama are two of the top defensive defenders in the NBA. Rudy Gobert barely defeated Wembanyama to win the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year title for the fourth time in his career. Group B at the Olympics will contain France, Japan, Germany, and the winner of a forthcoming qualifying event.