Victor Wembanyama, the towering French basketball star, recently shared a heartfelt story about his childhood hero.
Facing His Idol
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Wembanyama and Kevin Durant faced off in the gold-medal game. The young French player led his team against Durant’s Team USA. Despite France losing 98-87, it was a memorable moment for Wembanyama when Durant approached him after the game.
A Dream Conversation
Wembanyama expressed his admiration for Durant during their chat. “He became my favorite childhood playerโฆ I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him [and] perhaps only steal 1 or 2 of his secret techniques,” he said.
โHe became my favorite childhood playerโฆ I made it clear that I wanted to learn from him [and] perhaps only steal 1 or 2 of his secret techniques.โ
Victor Wembanyama on his conversation with Kevin Durant after the gold medal game ๐
(via @m6info / YT)
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
The interaction was more than just words; it was a dream come true for Wembanyama to stand beside his idol. Durant offered advice and encouragement, making an indelible impact on the young star.
Fans think it’s amazing how idols can shape future stars.
Durant has inspired many young players throughout his career. For Wembanyama, this meeting was not just about basketball but also about realizing a lifelong aspiration.
The Next Big Thing
With guidance from Durant and his own exceptional skills, Wembanyama is set to become one of the NBA’s next greats. His journey shows how influential current stars can be on upcoming talent.
Durant’s New Ventures
After winning Olympic gold in Paris, Kevin Durant has been busy with new projects. He recently bought a stake in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a major French soccer club.
At 35 years old, Durant is thinking about retirement as younger players take over the league. Even though he’s still performing at an elite level, he’s contemplating what comes next for him outside of basketball.
Durant mentioned that as he ages and sees younger talent rising in the NBA, he thinks more about retiring: โIโve had my time, and now Iโm thinking about whatโs next for me.โ
As fresh talents like Wembanyama rise to prominence, veterans like Durant are considering stepping away from the game they love while still at their peak performance levels.