Greatest International Prospect Of All Time? The Draft Chase For Victor Wembanyama

By most accounts, Wembanyama is destined to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s compared to some of the greatest prospects of all time such as: Giannis Antetokounmpo (15^th overall pick; 2013), Luka Doncic (3^rd overall pick; 2018), Zion Williamson (1^st overall pick; 2019).

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks prays before Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after he was called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on February 27, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCH 27: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

With his most controversial comparison we have to go back to 2003, when a 16-year-old kid from Akron had already been dubbed the chosen one: King James (1^st overall pick; 2003).

You may ask why and who even is this kid? Well that’s easy to explain. Victor Wembanyama is one of the most intriguing prospects in NBA history, thanks to his sheer size and length. At 7-3 with an insane 7-foot-9 wingspan, he’s lanky but super talented.

That’s not even the scary part. Imagine stretching out Giannis Antetokounmpo by a few inches and giving him a more reliable jumper while also having a lot more experience in European pro leagues – You’d possibly have the most pro ready prospect since Luka Doncic but at 7’3.

Victor Wembanyama achievements are impressive for his young age of 18 years old: Pro A champion (2022), 2× Pro A Best Young Player (2021, 2022), won the 2021-22 French National Championship with ASVEL Villeurbanne, a member of the French U-16 and U-19 National Team, won the silver medal at the 2019 European U-16 Championship, won the silver medal at the 2021 World U-19 Championship, led the 2019 European U-16 Championship in blocks (5.3 bpg), and led the French U-21 League in blocked shots (3.3 bpg) – It’s very easy to see as to why Wembanyama is considered a “Once in a generation” athlete.

Wembanyama was described as “maybe the best prospect in the world” by Mike Schmitz on ESPN’s podcast Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective at the age of only 16 years old.

That is what Victor Wembanyama is — He’s a basketball prodigy from France unlike anything the league has ever seen. Maybe the closest thing was 3x Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, but not even Rudy was this great at 18 years old.

So far beyond his peers, only the brightest stars in the basketball universe can compare to him. But ultimately, he is a complete and utter phenom who is working hard on his trade against grown, adult men and dominating them like they are kids. With all due respect to other prospects like Emoni Bates, Scoot Henderson, Amari Bailey, and everyone else, but Victor Wembanyama is the most promising basketball prospect alive.