Current：Home > MarketsNo, 1 pick Victor Wembanyama is set to debut with the San Antonio Spurs and the world is watching -Elevate Profit Vision
No, 1 pick Victor Wembanyama is set to debut with the San Antonio Spurs and the world is watching
View
Date：2025-04-15 19:13:51
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama is set to make his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, and the world is watching.
“How can I deny that,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s pretty obvious. Victor’s had a lot of attention pointed toward him for a very long time and that’s not going to change. Fortunately for us, he’s a really mature, prioritized young man that knows what he wants. He’s already a pro.”
The No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft drew the undivided attention of fans and media filling the lower bowl of the Frost Bank Center while simply practicing free throws before Wednesday night’s season opener.
Dubbed “The Extraterrestrial” by Nike, the 19-year-old from France who stands nearly 7-foot-4, has been astounding with his otherworldly play. In preseason action, he blocked 3-point shots with his 8-foot wingspan and Euro-stepped from the free throw line to the rim for a dunk in two strides without a dribble.
Wembanyama’s presence has energized San Antonio’s fanbase unlike any time in the franchise’s history.
The Spurs have won five NBA championships and had numerous stars, yet nobody has received this kind of attention.
San Antonio received more than 200 media credential requests from eight countries, rivaling the interest shown during the NBA Finals.
Wembanyama’s jerseys and T-shirts dominate the stands. Jerseys from Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker were worn by fans during the Big Three Era, but Wembanyama is the clear darling of a city desperate for its sixth NBA title — even after failing to make the playoffs the last four seasons.
Wembanyama’s presence forced the Spurs to sell standing-room only tickets for the opener, a move that comes just months after the team struggled to sell tickets during its 22-60 finish last season.
“I had a hard time even giving my tickets away last year,” Spurs fan Melvin Voight said. “A 200 percent turnaround. Big demand.”
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
veryGood！ (32656)
Related
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Inmates all abuzz after first honey harvest as beekeepers in training
- Saniya Rivers won a title at South Carolina and wants another, this time with NC State
- Wintry conditions put spring on hold in California
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Johnson & Johnson to buy Shockwave Medical in $13.1 billion deal to further combat heart disease
- Tennessee court to weigh throwing out abortion ban challenge, blocking portions of the law
- Final Four bold predictions: How the men's semifinals of March Madness will unfold
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Lawmakers criticize a big pay raise for themselves before passing a big spending bill
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- $35M investment is coming to northwest Louisiana, bringing hundreds of jobs
- Sean Diddy Combs and Son Christian Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assault and Battery
- The moon could get its own time zone. Here's why.
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Your streaming is about to cost more: Spotify price hike is on the way says Bloomberg
- USC’s Bronny James declares for NBA draft and enters transfer portal after 1 season
- The Black Keys ditch insecurities and enlist Beck, Noel Gallagher, hip-hop on new album
Recommendation
Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
As Florida Smalltooth Sawfish Spin and Whirl, a New Effort to Rescue Them Begins
A sweltering summer may be on the way. Will Americans be able to afford AC to keep cool?
Israel, U.S. believe Iran is about to retaliate for Israeli bombing of Syria consulate, officials say
A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
When will solar eclipse reach your town? These maps show path's timing, how long it lasts.
Senate candidates in New Mexico tout fundraising tallies in 2-way race
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, First Class