Photo: Peter Baba

Victor Wembanyama wants to help France turn its basketball potential into major international championships as he takes on a bigger role with the national team.

The San Antonio Spurs star believes winning trophies must remain the immediate priority while France continues developing its basketball program at every level.

“The fans, the federation and the players – everybody wants titles, so that comes before everything else. French basketball can continue to grow because it has enormous potential, whether we are talking about the senior national teams, the youth teams or player development. It is a long-term project, and I fully intend to have an impact on it.”

One trophy remains particularly significant for Wembanyama: the FIBA World Cup, which France has never won.

“It is important because it is an international competition we have never won. Even if we had already won it, I would want to win it again! Quite simply, it is also important because it serves as a qualifier for the Olympics.”