Spurs Rookie Victor Wembanyama Backs Out of 2023 Fiba World Cup After NBA Draft

(Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) French basketball player Victor Wembanyama demonstrates his skills following a news conference introducing the Spurs 2023 Draft Class, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 24, 2023.

Victor Wembanyama will miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Asia for the French national basketball team.

The number 1 overall pick of this year's NBA Draft told French news outlet L'Equipe that he would focus on developing and preparing his body for his incoming rookie season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs.

The 7-foot-4 center said that it was an immensely difficult decision to make.

"I've decided to dedicate this summer to preparing my body for the many events awaiting it in the coming years. This meant skipping the World Cup. It was a difficult decision, and one that required the advice of many people. But I sincerely believe it's the best one for the French team and myself," the 19-year-old said.

Wembanyama is coming off a Finals run in the recently concluded LNB Pro A season with the Metropolitans 92. Factoring in the upcoming NBA season and the 2024 Paris Olympics next year, he would be playing continuous basketball for nearly two years if he decided to fly to Asia for the FIBA World Cup this summer.

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Most Top NBA Stars Will Miss FIBA World Cup

The 2023 FIBA World Cup will mostly be held in Manila, Philippines, including the final round. Select group phase games will be played in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Okinawa, Japan.

Many NBA stars are doubtful to play in the tournament, including Giannis Antetokoumnpo of Greece. Team USA's roster so far does not have an All-NBA Team member, mainly consisting of young players.

Related Article: Victor Wembanyama Dines With Spurs Legends 

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