We’re again, child, with one other season of Wembymania. And I, for one, couldn’t be extra excited to be again writing for Pounding the Rock about probably the most fascinating basketball participant of my lifetime: Victor Wembanyama.
This 12 months, I’m switching up the format a bit. As a substitute of every day blogs from Monday to Friday, I’ll be specializing in a weekly publish that dives deeper, particularly into Wembanyama’s French media protection and different distinctive angles price sharing. As a French speaker, I plan to make use of that to my benefit to convey some contemporary insights to Spurs followers in all places.
With out additional ado, let’s dive in.
Wemby’s return: again in motion after seven and a half months
Wemby lastly performed in an actual, semi-meaningful, organized basketball sport with the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night time since his restoration from the blood clot.
Positive, it was towards a lesser opponent, the Guangzhou Loong-Lions from China. However perhaps there’s one thing poetic about that matchup – given Wemby spent 10 days at a Shaolin Temple this summer season meditating and coaching with monks. Coincidence? Perhaps. Enjoyable storyline? Completely.
Let’s not get carried away; it was only a preseason sport, principally a glorified scrimmage. However nonetheless, seven assists from a 7’4” participant is nothing to disregard. After the sport, Wemby’s feedback made it clear the place his mindset is: it’s about constructing the fitting habits and doing what’s finest for the crew.
An encouraging begin for a younger Spurs squad seeking to discover its rhythm early.
Watch Wemby’s full highlights right here:
A “violent” offseason
Lots has been product of Wemby’s so-called “violent” offseason coaching. He meditated in China, educated with NBA legends Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon, and even labored out with former Spur Matt Bonner. It’s an interesting combine – depth, spirituality, and Spurs heritage all rolled into one. What is going to that produce for the 2025–26 season? An MVP award? Most likely not but. A Defensive Participant of the Yr trophy? Very potential.
Personally, I’ll be waiting for a stronger, extra decisive Wemby – with tighter footwork, higher stability, and the arrogance that comes with mastering his body.
Takeaways from Monday’s French postgame interview
When requested about his six turnovers in Monday’s first half, Wemby didn’t flinch. He stated he wasn’t involved, the intentions have been proper, and that’s what issues.
So long as he’s not forcing something “ridiculous,” he’s advantageous with a couple of turnovers if it means making the fitting reads and involving his teammates. It’s a mature perspective that displays how he’s seeing the larger image, prioritizing crew circulation over private stats.
These rising pains will repay long-term, particularly as Wemby continues to evolve as a facilitator.
The Jackals: Bringing European ultras to Texas
One of many coolest new storylines from this offseason is “The Spurs Jackals.”
This was Wembanyama’s thought, impressed by European soccer “extremely” teams, to create an lively, coordinated fan part in San Antonio.
The group was already seen Monday night time within the higher ranges of the Frost Financial institution Heart, waving banners and bringing that European vitality to an NBA crowd. Wemby stated he hopes the group will continue to grow, perhaps even shifting nearer to the courtroom sooner or later. It’s a enjoyable, inventive initiative that provides taste to the Spurs’ fan tradition and completely displays Wemby’s international mindset.
And in the event you fast-forward to the tip of the clip (sure, to skip the 2 missed full-court heaves and a missed dunk), you would possibly simply get a sneak peek at what Wemby might appear like within the dunk contest sometime…
