Wemby Talks 'Honor' of Being Named France's Captain for 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is well on his way to becoming the best French basketball player ever, and now he's been named France's team captain.

Wembanyama called being the team's captain for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers an "honor."

"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. "This window is a good opportunity to experience this new chapter with the coaching staff as 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 Freddy told me, but it's a great honor."

Wembanyama has already established himself among the NBA's best players, winning the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year award before leading the Spurs to the Finals.

He's also helped turn France into one of the best teams on the international stage.

At the Paris Olympics in 2024, Wembanyama led France to the gold medal game before falling short to a United States team full of stars. The U.S. has won five straight gold medals, but Wembanyama and France could be the team to dethrone them.

Until then, Wembanyama will look to lead France to success in the FIBA World Cup next year.