Is Victor Wembanyama even from this planet? No one really knows the answer to that — not even himself.
This quote made the rounds following his hour-long interview with Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. Wembanyama embraces the idea of being different from everyone else. It’s evident on the court, with him attempting things we’ve never seen before in NBA basketball last season.
The reason why Victor experiments on the court the way he does is because of his mentality — where it all begins. This is a skill that requires as much development as a jump shot. When asked if he was born like this, Wemby quickly answered “No.” He went on to elaborate. About four to five years ago, he spent time working hard on learning about himself. During that time, he faced his truths, which now allows him to focus on what truly matters to him. But what does he mean by facing his truths?
Obviously, I’m not an expert in that field, nor will I ever be. But, based on previous interviews with Wembanyama, he’s hinted at having to accept that he’s going to be different from anyone else. He will never be able to walk down the street without people turning their heads in awe at the sight of a towering figure walking by them. Unlike the rest of the world, Wembanyama will always get noticed. So, instead of shying away from it, the then-teen chose to embrace it.