French power forward Victor Wembanyama, the projected first overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, opted out of his contract with reigning LNB Pro A champions ASVEL Villeurbanne. According to multiple reports, Wembanyama opted to join ASVEL’s rivals Metropolitans 92 and agreed to a two-year deal with the Paris-based team.
Wembanyama reportedly decided to leave ASVEL as he believes he will have a chance for better development in Paris. He will be coached by French national team head coach Vincent Collet, who is highly regarded for his work with younger players. This is part of the reason why Wembanyama refused offers from NBA G League, Real Madrid, and several other EuroLeague powerhouses.
Wembanyama started his pro career with LNB Pro A side Nanterre 92, where he spent two seasons and grabbed the Pro A Best Young Player award during the 2020-21 campaign. He left the Nanterre ahead of 2021-22 to join ASVEL, where he averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 rebounds in domestic competition. The 18-year-old saw limited action in EuroLeague, averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 boards in 13 games.
Despite not putting up eye-catching numbers, Victor Wembanyama has been an NBA scouts darling for several years now. His 7-9 wingspan, efficient shooting, defensive ability, and basketball intelligence make him a unique prospect, and it would be a big surprise if the team holding a No. 1 pick in the 2023 Draft passes on the opportunity to select him.
