PARIS (France) - Victor Wembanyama, who was recently operated on for a deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, has told France he wants to play for the national team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
The coach of the French, Frederic Fauthoux, made that revelation on Thursday after the EuroBasket draw, which put Les Bleus in Group D with Luka Doncic and Slovenia, Poland, Israel, Belgium and Iceland in Katowice, Poland.
"We had Victor before his operation," Fauthoux said to L'Equipe. "He is motivated to be part of the team. We will see as his physical development progresses. We will make the decision when the time is right, until then, we will be in the dark.
"But he feels good, everything is going well (in his rehabilitation)."
The 21-year-old's condition—a type of blood clot—was discovered after the NBA All-Star Game.
Wembanyama went into his NBA season sky high.
He took the Olympics by storm for hosts France, earning a spot in the All-Star Five.
Wembanyama averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks per game - all team highs.
He had 26 points and 7 rebounds in the Gold Medal Game against the USA, which the Americans won, 98-87.
The San Antonio Spur went into the event after being named 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Wembanyama made his first All-Star appearance this year. He was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks in 46 games for the Spurs when he had to stop playing.
Since the operation, Wembanyama has been present at some of San Antonio's games.
The EuroBasket tips off on August 27.
FIBA