'I'm worried for them': Victor Wembanyama warns basketball world after 2024 Olympics

France gave the United States all they could handle in the men’s basketball gold medal match, thanks in large part to Victor Wembanyama. The 20 year-old was ready for the challenge, as he scored 26 points in the defeat. After the game, Wembanyama dealt with conflicting emotions of disappointment and re-energized hunger to become the best player in the world.

After the hard-fought game, Victor Wembanyama couldn’t hold back tears, as AP news wrote. He put everything he had into the contest, and it was clear that he had hoped for more in front of his home fans.

Wembanyama told AP News, “I’m going to enjoy the moment. I’m proud of my teammates. I’m proud of having what we’ve done here in France in front of our fans. I’m going to let it all soak in.”

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One of Wembanyama’s highlight plays came in the first quarter, as his misdirection dribble froze Joel Embiid on the Frenchman’s way to a dunk. After the game, Embiid reiterated what we all know to AP News. “That kid is special,” he said.

In addition to digesting what had just happened on the Olympic stage, Wembanyama was also cognizant of thinking about what the experience means for his basketball future. He told The San Antonio Express-News, “I’m learning, and I’m worried for the opponents in a couple of years.”

When asked if he meant opponents in FIBA international competition or in the NBA, Wembanyama said “everywhere.”

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Wembanyama is already off to a remarkable start to his FIBA and NBA career, and had some iconic moments this summer in Paris. In the semifinals against Germany, Wembanyama played through a cut to his neck that drew blood. It seemed to fuel him and the rest of the team.

He told ESPN, “In our (France’s) national anthem, we talk about blood. We’re willing to spill blood on the court. So, it’s no big deal. If it allows us to win gold, I’m offering. Take all of it.”

After the semifinal game, Wembanyama told ESPN, “The fans, they make it hard for me not to cry. I thank them.”

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It’s the type of quote that might also apply to the connection he has and will continue to bolster with Spurs fans in the coming years. Wembanyama appears to embrace the moment, and his desire to reach the pinnacle of the sport makes his stern warning one to be taken seriously.