- Victor Wembanyama was selected as the 2023 NBA No. 1 Draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs
- Wembanyama travelled to San Antonio on Friday to join up with his new team
- The Center was received with cheers and chants by Spurs fans at San Antonio
Amid scorching temperatures and passionate anticipation, Victor Wembanyama, the 2023 NBA No. 1 draft pick, was welcomed with enthusiastic chants as he stepped off the private plane that brought him to San Antonio. Although he is yet to play a game in the league, the French phenom embraced his first moments in the city, acknowledging the fans and expressing his joy. Arriving a few hours behind schedule did not dampen the spirits of Spurs supporters who eagerly awaited his arrival, hopeful that he will lead the team to prominence once again.
The love and sense of family were palpable among the fans who endured the extreme heat to catch a glimpse of Wembanyama. Gabriela Hernandez, a devoted Spurs fan, described the experience as an embodiment of love and family values. The highly anticipated new star will hold a press conference to introduce himself to the San Antonio community on Saturday. After being drafted by the Spurs in New York, he arrived in San Antonio on Friday afternoon.
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The crowd was a vibrant mix of supporters, with one fan even holding a sign asking Wembanyama to marry her daughter. Another individual donned an alien costume, a reference to LeBron James’ description of the towering 7-foot-5 teenager who led his team to the French league finals. Wembanyama jerseys were already donned by numerous fans, both from France and those representing the Spurs.
San Antonio Spurs 2023 NBA Draft No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama arriving at San Antonio amidst cheers and chants from Spurs fans. | PHOTO: ESPN |
As Wembanyama’s plane taxied, it received a water-cannon salute from fire officials, and even the police officers assigned to escort his vehicle out of the airport were caught up in the jubilant atmosphere. Wembanyama graciously stopped to shake their hands and took pictures with them before making his way to the van. The warm reception exemplified the culture of San Antonio and the passion of its people, as Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan observed. The city’s excitement and support demonstrated the tight-knit, family-like environment that will surround Wembanyama, alleviating any pressure he may feel.
The Spurs have a history of finding success with their previous No. 1 picks, such as David Robinson and Tim Duncan, who became legendary figures in San Antonio and earned their place in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. Now, Wembanyama, with his massive 20½-foot stature, aims to follow in their footsteps and bring championship glory back to the Spurs. Since their last title in 2014, the team has faced challenges, including playoff droughts. However, with Wembanyama on their roster, the Spurs have become the talk of the town once again, rekindling hopes of success not just locally but throughout the entire league.
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