Victor Wembanyama Discusses His Journey to the NBA with JJ Redick

JJ Redick Interviews Victor Wembanyama About His Motivation and Path to the NBA

In a recent podcast episode, veteran NBA player JJ Redick sat down with 2023 NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama to discuss his journey to becoming one of the most hyped players entering the league. At 7'3" with a 7'9" wingspan and exceptional coordination and skill for his size, Wembanyama has been captivating basketball fans all over the world. Redick aimed to provide insight into Wembanyama's background and mentality as he prepares to take the next step in his basketball career.

Wembanyama's Early Love for Basketball

Redick opened the interview by asking Wembanyama when he first realized he could have a future in basketball. Wembanyama revealed that he first started playing basketball around the age of 5 or 6, but didn't take it too seriously until he had a major growth spurt at 13 years old. Shooting up to 6'5" made him realize he had a natural talent and size advantage that could take him places in the sport.

However, it was playing against top youth competition in Europe around age 15 that truly opened Wembanyama's eyes to his vast potential. "I was playing against guys who were 18-19 years old and I was the best player on the court," Wembanyama told Redick. "That's when I knew I could make it."

Developing His Versatile Skillset

Redick was curious about how Wembanyama developed his rare combination of size, coordination, outside shooting, and ball handling ability. Wembanyama credited his early love for soccer with giving him great footwork that translated well to the basketball court. He also cited watching versatile big men like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo as inspiration to build his guard-like skills.

"I wanted to copy them because I wanted to be able to do everything on the court, not just be limited as a traditional big," Wembanyama explained. His dedication to perfecting inside and outside skills makes him a matchup nightmare and the prototypical modern NBA big man.

Handling the Hype and Pressure

Given Wembanyama's projected #1 overall draft status and the "Victor-mania" buzz surrounding his pre-draft workouts and games, Redick asked him how he manages pressure and tunes out the noise. "I'm just focused on my game and improving - the hype doesn't change anything," said Wembanyama. "It's cool to get attention but I'm still doing the same work."

Wembanyama went on to cite the solid foundation provided by his family and agents at CAA Sports as key factors keeping him grounded. He also made it clear he does not take media hype too seriously, staying fixed on scouting reports from teams and feedback from his coaches.

Fitting Into the NBA's Pace and Space Era

Looking ahead to next season, Redick questioned Wembanyama about how he sees himself fitting into the modern NBA game focused on speed, spacing, and shooting. "I think I fit well with the evolution of the NBA with big men who can shoot, pass, dribble, and protect the rim like Giannis, AD, and KD," said Wembanyama.

He believes his versatility at both ends of the court will allow him to maximize 4-out offensive styles while also providing top-tier rim protection anchoring small-ball defenses. Wembanyama cited defensive switchability and outside shooting as areas he is working on most leading up to the draft.

Learning from Veteran Mentors

To wrap up the interview, Redick asked Wembanyama what current or former NBA players he has been able to learn from. Wembanyama mentioned fellow French national team members Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier as valuable mentors, helping him adapt to American basketball culture on and off the court.

He also looks up to Giannis Antetokounmpo as someone with a similar rangy athletic profile who has developed into an NBA superstar. "Giannis gives me motivation because his journey shows you can come from nothing and become MVP through hard work," Wembanyama stated.

Overall, it was clear throughout the discussion that Wembanyama possesses both the talent and mindset to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. His maturity and professional approach at such a young age portend big things as he embarks on his NBA career.

Look for Victor Wembanyama to make a huge impact right away with his generational physical gifts and well-rounded game tailored for today's pace and space era. He has all the tools to become a regular All-Star and potential MVP candidate under the brightest lights of the NBA stage.

FAQs

When did Victor Wembanyama start playing basketball?

Victor Wembanyama first started playing basketball around the age of 5 or 6, but didn't take it seriously until he had a major growth spurt at 13 years old.

What skills has Wembanyama focused on developing?

Wembanyama has focused on developing guard-like skills like ball handling, outside shooting, and footwork to complement his size and length. He models his game after versatile big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.

How does Wembanyama deal with the hype surrounding him?

Wembanyama tries to tune out the hype and media attention surrounding him, staying focused on improving his game through coaching feedback and scouting reports. His family and agents at CAA Sports help keep him grounded.

What can Wembanyama bring to the modern NBA game?

Wembanyama believes his versatile inside-outside skillset on both ends of the court will allow him to thrive in today's pace and space era focused on shooting, spacing, and switchable defense.

Which current and former NBA players has Wembanyama learned from?

Veteran French national team members Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier have mentored Wembanyama on adapting to the NBA. He also looks up to Giannis Antetokounmpo as someone with a similar game who became an MVP through hard work.