Victor Wembanyama's jam-packed welcome week
Although recent No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has been in the United States for only a week, his schedule has been jam-packed.
From getting the red-carpet treatment in New York City to a hero’s welcome in his new home state of Texas, here’s everything the French star did in his welcome week stateside:
Tuesday: Throws out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium
There are few venues in sports where the lights shine brighter than Yankee Stadium. Wembanyama began his week in the United States under those very lights, tossing the ceremonial first pitch for the New York Yankees‘ tilt against the Seattle Mariners. Although his offering was (unsurprisingly) a tad off the mark, the wild pitch didn’t damper the young Frenchman’s mood, as he stayed smiling throughout the night.
Wednesday: Media tour in the city continues
There wasn’t a paper or show in New York that didn’t want to grab a quote from Wembanyama during his brief time in the Big Apple. Perhaps most notable of Wembanyama’s various appearances in the media throughout the week was a prerecorded interview that aired on Wednesday’s edition of “Good Morning America.” He also held court at a customary pre-draft media availability and made an appearance on JJ Redick’s “The Old Man & The Three” podcast.
Thursday: The draft
Victor Wembanyama is officially a Spur 👏 pic.twitter.com/Zqyaa60eA5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2023
After months of hype, what had long seemed like a foregone conclusion happened: Wembanyama was selected at No. 1 by the San Antonio Spurs, with the process appearing more ceremonial than dramatic. But the moment was sizable despite the lack of traditional draft night tension, as a crowd filled with fans holding up their phones to capture the moment gave the league’s new star his due to the tune of resounding cheers.
Friday: Arrives in San Antonio
Victor Wembanyama lands in San Antonio and is greeted by water cannons, fans, and the Spurs Coyote.
…No sign of breakfast tacos, which really is a shame.#GoSpursGo 📽️: @KENS5 pic.twitter.com/HafSDITl7F
— Jeff Jones (@JeffJonesSports) June 23, 2023
After draft night ended, Wembanyama’s week didn’t slow down. Arriving early Friday morning in the brutal San Antonio heat (some fans attending his arrival even sported umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun, with temps peaking in the triple digits Friday), Wembanyama was given his first taste of his new city. That taste was literal as well as metaphorical — one of the first things Wembanyama received upon arrival was a bag of breakfast tacos.
Saturday: Official unveiling to Spurs fans
Wemby finally got his breakfast tacos in San Antonio 🤣 pic.twitter.com/RnOL9T29na
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 24, 2023
Although Wembanyama got his first taste of San Antonio fans immediately after getting off the plane Friday, his official introduction didn’t come until Saturday. The cheers would continue at Arneson River Theatre, as the Spurs held a celebratory event to welcome Wembanyama and fellow rookie Sidy Cissoko to the organization.
