PARIS (France) - The new president of Fédération Française de Basketball (FFBB) Jean-Pierre Hunckler delivered some important words to his country's passionate fans as it relates to FIBA EuroBasket 2025 and Victor Wembanyama in the middle of the NBA Paris Game crazy week in Paris.
"I spoke with Victor for five minutes this week, as he’s very busy, and he assured me that, barring any physical issues, he will be there for Euro 2025," Hunckler said to Le Progrès.
Wemby himself recently said he wants to play for his national team every summer.
That comment will have been well received by all in France, which is still swept up in basketball euphoria after a spectacular 2024 Olympics, where Wembanyama led Les Bleus to the Final.
French fans didn't have to wait long to see their favorite son back on the court in Bercy because he returned this past weekend to play for the San Antonio Spurs against the Indiana Pacers.
Victor assured me that, barring any physical issues, he will be there for Euro 2025.
The All-Star Five selection from the Olympics had his every move cheered by spectators, even in the warmups for the games against the Pacers.
"The good thing for us is that Victor is a young player with a great mindset who cares about French basketball and its development," Hunckler said.
"Every time (France legend and national team general manager) Boris Diaw is with him, they talk about only one thing – the French national team."
France have been a leading team in international basketball since the millennium and at major events have made it as far as the Final on several occasions.
Just once have they won the title, though. That was at EuroBasket 2013 in Ljubljana.
Could the title drought end soon?
Wembanyama exhibited leadership and talent at the Olympics to fuel hopes of a golden era for France. He averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks over his team's six games.
That performance, along with his Rookie of the Year campaign in the NBA and this season where his averages of 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.9 blocks per game have put the Spurs in contention for a spot in the Western Conference Play-offs, are evidence enough that he will be a special player with the national team for many years.
What's more, with Wembanyama in the mix, France's leading players will be even more eager to join the team this summer.
While the FIBA star gets most of the attention in France's roster, there is plenty of firepower provided by those not named Wembanyama.
France had 14 players in the NBA at the start of the season.
The first two picks in the 2024 NBA Draft were Frenchmen Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, while Tidjane Salaun was taken sixth and 25th. Melvin Ajinca was taken in the second round, 51st overall.
France coach Frederic Fauthoux has plenty of talent and options to evaluate, with players in the USA and also Europe.
The conversation always goes back to Wembanyama, though.
In Paris, he didn't disappoint. He helped San Antonio win the opener against Indiana, 140-110, with 30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 5 blocks.
Even in a 136-98 blowout defeat in the next game, Wemby had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
"This week was amazing," Wembanyama said, who prioritized spending time with loved ones during his homecoming.
"I was just seeing my family. I’m not trying to get emotional, but everybody did their job to make this week incredible."
Wembanyama felt a responsibility to make everyone happy on his trip back to Paris.
"I did my best to make this week special for my team, for my family, my friends," Wembanyama said.
"But people still found ways to surprise me, to make things feel like it mattered for them, and I matter for them. So, it’s priceless."
FIBA