
Victor Wembanyama, French player for the San Antonio Spurs, says he is approaching the new NBA season with a vengeful spirit after the defeat in the final against the Knicks, evoking sleepless nights and haunting thoughts, while saying he is in the best possible shape to aim for a sixth title with the Texan team.
AI-generated summary
Victor Wembanyama, a 22-year-old, 2.24 meter tall French player, had a solid third season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, leading the young team to the conference finals against the New York Knicks, lost 4-1 in June.
Victor Wembanyama declared, Monday, September 28, that he was approaching the new NBA season alongside the San Antonio Spurs with a “revanchist side”, after the finals lost against the Knicks in June. “There are high expectations around us, we will face each team at their best every night, no one will be surprised by our performances from now on,” said the 22-year-old French phenomenon, adding that “of course, there is this revengeful side” after the 4-1 defeat in the finals against the New York Knicks.
This setback even left him with after-effects: “I had a few sleepless nights, with little sleep and thoughts that haunted me and prevented me from sleeping.” But "you just have to accept it and move on. We don't want to hide from anything, you have to face these emotions," added "Wemby" from the Spurs training center in San Antonio. Wembanyama was sparkling in his third NBA season, taking a young and inexperienced squad to the brink of the title, after brilliantly crossing his first play-offs.
The sixth title hoped for by the Spurs
The Frenchman, who says he is "in the best possible shape" to start the new NBA season on October 20, is however "happy" with the incredible performance of the Spurs last season. “I have the feeling that we are in our place. That’s already what I felt as last season progressed.” Cornerstone of the Spurs in their attempt to win the team's sixth NBA title, "Wemby" is coming off a very solid season, averaging 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks per game.
Also read
But the Frenchman faces a new challenge: to show that his supernatural talent can become a standard and take the Texan franchise to the coronation. “A big part of learning is winning. What I lack now is still experience but it’s true that I’ve gained a lot in recent months,” slips the 2.24 meter player who sets no limits.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The San Antonio Spurs will aim for a playoff spot in the 2025-2026 NBA season
Likely · Within months
Victor Wembanyama will maintain or improve his statistical averages from the previous season (25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.1 blocks)
Possible · Within months

Three days after their 1-0 victory in Turkey, the France team travels to Brussels to face Belgium in the Nations League, with Zinédine Zidane as coach for the first time since Aimé Jacquet in 1994, and without the injured Kylian Mbappé.

Three days after their 1-0 victory in Türkiye, the Blues travel to Brussels to face Belgium in the Nations League, Monday September 28. Deprived of injured Kylian Mbappé, the French field a young team with the debut of Lucas da Cunha, Jérémy Jacquet, Andy Diouf and Estéban Lepaul. France remains on seven consecutive victories against Belgium in official matches, the last defeat dating from 1981.

Stade Toulousain captain Jack Willis was voted best player in the Top 14 for the 2025-2026 season, becoming only the second player after Antoine Dupont to retain his title. The Englishman, who arrived in France in 2022, has won four Brennus Shields and a Champions Cup, but remains stuck at 14 caps with England due to his choice to play abroad.

Émilien Gailleton, player from the Section Paloise, saw his try scored against Aviron Bayonnais during the 21st day of Top 14 being voted the best try of the 2025-2026 season during the Nuit du Rugby, thanks to the votes of more than 21,000 supporters.

Zinédine Zidane won his first match as coach of the France team against Turkey (1-0), his first success since Aimé Jacquet in 1994. Kylian Mbappé is absent due to a hyperextension of the left knee, opening the door to players like Estéban Lepaul, Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet or Lucas da Cunha for their first selection. The next match will take place on Monday against Belgium in Brussels.

Zinédine Zidane won his first match as coach of the France team against Turkey (1-0), a first since Aimé Jacquet in 1994. Kylian Mbappé is absent due to hyperextension of the left knee. The next match will take place on Monday against Belgium in Brussels.