Victor Wembanyama has told French newspaper L’Equipe he won’t play for France’s national basketball team at this year’s World Cup in order to protect his still-developing body.
The new San Antonio Spurs player said it was a “difficult” decision to make, adding that it is “irrevocable.”
The World Cup is scheduled from August 25 to September 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.
Wembanyama said he made the choice “on his own” after consulting with close friends and his medical team. He told the France coach and other players from the team about his decision over the weekend, L’Equipe reported on Monday.
The No 1 draft pick arrives at the Spurs with enormous expectations to become basketball’s next sensation. Listed at 7ft 4in, Wembanyama dominated the French league in his final season, leading all players in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots.
The 19-year-old pointed to the need to preserve his body, explaining that the World Cup, followed by an NBA season with the Spurs, followed by the Paris Olympics would have been too much to take.
“It would be unrealistic in terms of development and unwise in terms of health,” said Wembanyama.
“I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me, too. The French team is as central as ever, I want to win as many titles as possible with them. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”