Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Wilton Jackson

Victor Wembanyama, Projected No. 1 Pick, Confirms NBA Draft Decision

Victor Wembanyama, the electrifying 7’ 3” French forward, has officially declared for the 2023 NBA draft.

Wembanyama, who is widely considered to be the top prospect in this year’s draft, made the announcement on ESPN’s NBA Today with Malika Andrews.

“First of all I want to thank everybody that has been part of that journey and all of the previous years and my coaches, my family and I am really excited to declare for the 2023 NBA draft,” Wembanyama said.

The 19-year-old prodigy, who stands at roughly 7’ 5” with shoes on according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, has dominated the LNB Pro A in France while playing for Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92. In 30 league games this season, Wembanyama has averaged 21.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game.

Woo: Inside Victor Wembanyama’s Plan to Dominate the NBA Like Never Before

While playing with France’s international team in 2022–23 qualifying games for the World Cup, Wembanyama averaged 20.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.7 blocks while shooting 53.3% from three-point range. 

During a game against Monaco earlier this month, Wembanyama recorded a viral moment where he missed on a step back three-pointer before following his own shot for an incredible putback dunk. Even more, the talented French star has made numerous headlines and caught the attention of the greatest NBA stars including LeBron James, who referred to him as an “alien.”

Currently, the Pistons, the Rockets and the Spurs have the best chances to land the No. 1 pick and presumably select Wembanyama at this year’s draft on June 22.

Watch the NBA with fuboTV. Start your free trial today.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.