MY ACCOUNT
Victor Wembanyama is honoured to have been labelled a “generational talent” and an “alien” by the legendary LeBron James.
Wembanyama is projected to be the number one pick in the NBA Draft next year and the French teenager has demonstrated why during his first trip to America this week.
The 18-year-old once again showed what the hype is all about as he scored 36 points, claimed 11 rebounds and made four blocks for Metropolitans 92 in a 112-106 win over G League Ignite on Thursday.
Over the two exhibition games this week, Wembanyama racked up 73 points, was 22-for-44 shooting, landed nine three-pointers, took 15 rebounds and made nine blocked shots.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar James said of the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama: “Everybody has been labelling this unicorn thing.
“Everybody has been a unicorn for the last two years, but he’s more like an alien. I’ve never seen, no one has ever seen anyone as tall as he is, but as fluid and as graceful as he is out on the floor.”
James added: “His ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers out of the post, step-back threes, catch-and-shoot threes, block shots… he’s for sure a generational talent.”
Wembanyama was proud when he heard James singing his praises, but will remain grounded.
He said: “It’s obviously an honour to see such great people talk like this about me, but it really doesn’t change anything.
“I was like, ‘Oh that’s cool.’ But no more. I have to try to stay focused. The thing is, I didn’t do anything yet.”
G League coach Jason Hart also had high praise for Wembanyama.
He said: “We will never see another player like that again. Just like I said about Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal], they just don’t come around often.
“The good thing for me coaching, I’m glad I got a chance to play against him at 18. At 24, he’s going to be a whole new player, somebody else’s problem.”
