France HC Says Victor Wembanyama Not Michael Jordan Yet, Jokes 'He's Not Far'

French fans see sky-high potential for phenom Victor Wembanyama.

Following France's 78-66 win over Brazil in its opening game at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, head coach Vincent Collet said that the 20-year-old is under significant pressure to be a dominant force like former Chicago Bulls superstar Michael Jordan. Collet acknowledged that Wembanyama is not quite at that level yet and that fans need to understand that.

"He was a little bit nervous. In France, everybody waits for him like — I don't know which word to use, but everybody waits for him," Collet said, per Sam Amick of The Athletic. "You have the people who know basketball, and they understand he's only 20 years old. But people that like sports but (who) don't know basketball, they think Victor is already Michael Jordan. (But) take time. Take time."

However, the coach followed it up with a smile, saying "he's not far" from that level, showing his high confidence in the 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Wembanyama's alleged nerves did not negatively impact his output. He scored 19 points and added nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks. This is his first major test on the national stage after he sat out last year's FIBA World Cup, and the host nation's hopes at a medal may rest with how he can perform against the top international talent.

While that is significant pressure, it's also something Wembanyama showed he was capable of in his rookie NBA Season. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games for the San Antonio Spurs in 2023-24 and is the centerpiece of the team's young core.

While the Spurs may be a few year's away from true contention in the NBA, finding success for France could be huge for Wembanyama's development. France entered the Games as the No, 6 ranked team by FIBA and are seeking a fourth medal in Olympic history.

The last was a silver medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, and now the team hopes it can disrupt the U.S.'s dominance on the stage and earn the country's first gold medal in men's basketball.