Wemby to French Media (Long Interview) – “There were times after matches when I was so tired I almost fainted”.

Read it in French here : [https://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/Article/Wembanyama-dresse-le-bilan-de-sa-premiere-saison-nba-je-suis-a-15-de-mes-capacites/1461238](https://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/Article/Wembanyama-dresse-le-bilan-de-sa-premiere-saison-nba-je-suis-a-15-de-mes-capacites/1461238)

Watch Every Bill Land’s Every 😱 ‘Oh Mama Wembanyama’ 😱 Moments of the 2023-24 Season here : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7K7OvNC9LY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7K7OvNC9LY)

**The consensus is that you exceeded expectations in your first NBA season. Do you agree with that assessment?**

Not really, no. Maybe I do, but that’s not how I feel. Every day, I try to surpass myself, to set new records, to win more games. But the next day, I always tell myself that I haven’t done enough, to push myself even harder.

**What are you most proud of in this rookie season with the Spurs?**

There are several things. One of them is my unique statistical lines, especially in wins. Doing things that have never been done before. There’s also the fact that I’m the best rookie in most statistical categories, and the best counter-attacker in the League.

**What’s the most important thing you’ve learned after 71 games in the NBA?**

The main thing I’ve learned is the consistency I’ve seen from the top ten players, like (Joel) Embiid, (Nikola) Jokic and Giannis (Antetokounmpo). They play every game, all season long, and rarely have a bad night. They don’t just shine occasionally, it’s not enough.

**These players were always complimenting you after playing against you this season. Were you touched?**

First of all, I’m glad it wasn’t the other way around (laughs). It reminds me that I’m on the right track. I always appreciate it when guys I grew up watching and admiring recognize my talent.

**You’re in competition with your compatriot Rudy Gobert (Minnesota) for the title of Defender of the Year. Do you still have a chance of winning it?**

We’ll have to see. It would be far from a steal if Rudy got it. However, I think a lot has changed since the start of the season. In any case, it was a great fight. What satisfies me most is to have two Frenchmen at the top of the ranking.

**And the title of rookie of the year?**

The results will show whether I did what I had to do to get it, but I think so. In any case, I have no regrets about that. So that means I did the right thing.

**On an individual level, your season has been marked by numerous highlights, those spectacular actions that have made the rounds on social networks. Is that important to you?**

I like highlights, yes. For me, highlights are like art, like dance. In warm-up, I’m always trying out new dunks, new techniques, sometimes things I didn’t think I was capable of. It’s really a world to explore.

**At what point are you already a complete player, close to your best level in the NBA?**

It’s hard to say. I think that in terms of evolution between my first game and my “prime” (his peak), I’m at 15% of my abilities today.

**Collectively, the Spurs ended the season with 60 setbacks, sometimes stringing together heavy losing streaks. How do you cope emotionally at times like these?**

There was a time when it was pretty hard to lose all those games. Especially when you had to go back the next day or two and take on the big boys again (laughs). But that was also the point. If it hadn’t been mentally and physically draining, it would have meant that I hadn’t challenged myself enough.

**You’ve already mentioned your all-consuming passion for basketball. How much has it helped you through the adversity of this season?**

There were times after games when I was so tired that I almost fainted. It was very hard, I couldn’t move. But I tried to remind myself every time how lucky I am to be here, and that it’s not going to last forever. There are millions of people who would love to be in my shoes, so I’m obliged to make the most of it and enjoy it.

**Your first NBA season is now over. What’s your schedule for the next few weeks?**

I’m going to stay in San Antonio for a few days for the end-of-year medical tests, continue training and then head back to France. I don’t know which day yet, but it’s going to happen very quickly. Unfortunately, I’ll be there for less than three weeks.

**After ten months in the USA, how much do you miss your homeland? And what’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back?**

I’ve been looking forward to going back for some time now. I’m going to visit my grandparents, whom I haven’t seen since I left. I’m also going to meet up with my brother, and I’d love to go and see some of his games. My sister too. I also miss food. Maybe I’ll go for a Greek? That wouldn’t be bad (laughs).

**After your individual exploits with Spurs this season, what kind of welcome do you expect in France?**

I don’t know about that. I still have the feeling that basketball is still very much a closed sphere, and not as mainstream as it is in the United States. But maybe I’m wrong. And frankly, I can’t wait to see what it’s like when I get back. I don’t really know what to expect.

**You will then return to the United States to prepare for the Olympic Games this summer with Les Bleus. What will your physical preparation look like? You recently spoke of the need to put on more muscle and thicken up.**

There are very few players, I think, whose aim is not to get stronger physically. Let’s just say that we’re not going to do anything revolutionary. We’re going to continue with what’s working and build on our momentum. There’s no reason to break that continuity, in fact, and the weight gain will come naturally.

**How much do you look forward to being in Paris at the end of July, representing your country at the Olympic Games?**

It’s going to be huge. When I’m out there, I’m going to give 200%, as I do every time I wear this jersey. It’s going to be extraordinary, and I’ll be there, like a child, enjoying the moment.

by CreditAlarmed