No Wemby in World Cup: Victor Wembanyama Won’t Play for France in FIBA Event

• Victor Wembanyama has decided not to play in this year’s 2023 FIBA World Cup
• He cited development and health concerns as the reasons behind his withdrawal
• His main focus is playing for the Spurs this season and for France in the Olympics

Victor Wembanyama will not be playing in this year’s FIBA World Cup.

The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has decided to skip the quadrennial event this summer and will instead focus on his preparation for his rookie year with the San Antonio Spurs.

It was a stunning blow to the French, who are looking to win the world title for the first time this coming September in Manila, Philippines.

Wembanyama announced his decision to French publication, L'Equipe, saying:

"It would not be realistic in terms of development and not prudent in terms of health. I hope people will understand. It's frustrating for me, too. The France team is still central for me. I want to win as many titles as possible with the team. But I think it's a necessary sacrifice."

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Wemby consulted staff before deciding

The 19-year-old made it clear in the interview that San Antonio would have supported whatever decision he arrived at. He decided not to represent France in the World Cup after consulting with his own personal medical staff, per ESPN.

Wembanyama and his team concluded that the volume of games he was planning to play over a two-year stretch was just too much for him.

He played 62 games with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 last season, leading the team to the French League Finals before his move to the NBA.

Wembanyama calculated that he was about to play around 170 games in a two-year span with the Spurs in the NBA and France in next year’s Paris Olympics.

That was more than enough reason for him to axe the World Cup from his plans.

Wemby will play Summer League

The good news for Spurs fans is that the talented big man is still planning to play in at least some of San Antonio’s summer league games next month.

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San Antonio will be playing five games at the Las Vegas Summer League, opening its campaign against the Charlotte Hornets, who will be parading their No. 2 pick, Brandon Miller, per ABC.

Wemby gets hero's welcome

Sports Brief recently reported on Wembanyama getting a hero's welcome in San Antonio.

He was greeted with cheers from Spurs fans after arriving at San Antonio International Airport.

Wembanyama's private plane landed in the city before 4pm and received a water shower.