It's been a very busy year for Victor Wembanyama.
The 19-year-old completed an impressive season for Metropolitans 92 in the LNB Pro A, averaging 21.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. After that campaign ended, the Spurs selected Wembanyama as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Wembanyama then moved on to the Las Vegas Summer League. He struggled in his debut, but he bounced back in his second game, totaling 27 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Trail Blazers. San Antonio shut Wembanyama down after that impressive performance.
With so many events crammed into his calendar, there have been questions raised regarding Wembanyama's status for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Will the French phenom represent his home country at the tournament?
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Why Victor Wembanyama isn't playing for France at FIBA Basketball World Cup
Unfortunately for France, Wembanyama will not play in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
He told French newspaper L'Equipe that it was a "difficult decision," but he wanted to prioritize protecting his body and preparing for his rookie season. Wembanyama added that the Spurs did not push him in a certain direction.
"They know what's at stake," Wembanyama said (via The Associated Press). "But they would have supported me whatever my choice. In the past, as soon as I could go to international competitions, I did. I've never been able to enjoy a summer with several months of development for my body.
"For this new phase of my life, it's essential. The Spurs staff are ready to make this summer profitable. We can't afford for it to be wasted time."
The FIBA Basketball World Cup will run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, and NBA training camps will open weeks later. With Wembanyama set to play an 82-game season for the first time in his career, participating in the FIBA Basketball World Cup would have put too much wear and tear on a body that is still developing.
"My body is like a prototype," Wembanyama said. "I can't base myself on people who look like me. So you need specific preparation, personalized anticipation. You can't leave anything to chance.
"There's a real risk of overload, and therefore of injury, which could have an impact on what happens next. ... It would be unrealistic in terms of development and unwise in terms of health."
Team France roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Here is France's complete roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup:
| Jersey No. | Player |
| 00 | Sylvain Francisco |
| 0 | Elie Okobo |
| 1 | Frank Ntilikina |
| 5 | Nicolas Batum |
| 7 | Guerschon Yabusele |
| 10 | Evan Fournier |
| 12 | Nando De Colo |
| 22 | Terry Tarpey |
| 24 | Yakuba Ouattara |
| 26 | Mathias Lessort |
| 27 | Rudy Gobert |
| 93 | Moustapha Fall |
Team France schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Team France will be part of Group H at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The team will face Canada, Latvia and Lebanon in the group stage and play its games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Aug. 25 | vs. Canada | 9:30 a.m. |
| Aug. 27 | vs. Latvia | 9:30 a.m. |
| Aug. 29 | vs. Lebanon | 5:45 a.m. |
When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines
The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will begin on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.
The championship game will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10.
How to watch 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup: TV channels and live streams
- Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
- TV channels: ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+ | Courtside 1891 | Sling TV
In the United States, all 92 FIBA Basketball World Cup games will be available to watch on either ESPN2 or ESPN+. Basketball fans can also stream the games via Courtside 1891 or Sling TV.
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