SAN ANTONIO -- Victor Wembanyama's summer of leadership continues, with the French national team announcing him as its captain Wednesday in preparation for the FIBA World Cup European qualifiers.
Wembanyama was named captain of Team France a little more than two weeks after the 22-year-old hosted several San Antonio Spurs teammates in France for workouts and bonding activities.
Wembanyama leads Team France into friendly competitions against Serbia, led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, on Thursday and Sunday before the team hosts Slovenia on Aug. 27 in its first appearance in the European qualifiers. Team France then travels to face Sweden on Aug. 30.
"Being captain is first and foremost about setting an example, being a leader, through performance on the court, knowing the systems, the opponents and bringing calm," Wembanyama said, according to FIBA.
"This window is a good opportunity to experience this new chapter with the coaching staff as a captain. It's probably earlier than I expected, and likely earlier than everyone else expected. But it's not rushed either. I'm honored and excited. I wasn't expecting it until [French coach Frédéric Fauthoux] told me, but it's a great honor."