Basketball: lost to Monaco in the championship final, Wembanyama says goodbye to France and goes to America

A few minutes after the end of the match, the audience was still chanting “Wemby,” “Wemby.” Everyone clearly dreamed of a different ending. To see how the adventure and this love story between the player and the viewer continues a little longer. It couldn’t have ended so suddenly, so suddenly for Victor Vembanyama. But Monaco decided otherwise.

At the end of a terrible duel, counting up to 16 lengths ahead (32-16, 8th) and leading to 3 minutes from the buzzer, the Met lost decisively (85-92) Thursday night at Roland. – The Garros stadium turned into a basketball arena against Monaco during the 3rd episode of the French Championship final. Terrible scenario. Drama in 3 acts.

Four days ago Serbian Novak Djokovic made tennis and sports history by winning his 23rd Grand Slam title. This Thursday evening, another “alien” also decided to write his own legend. Before leaving for the NBA draft on June 22 and his American destiny for years to come, Wembanyama had one goal, one mission – to win the 3rd game of the Finals, keep the hope of the feat and snatch the 4th inning. “We were often asked why he didn’t stop playing with us (focus on next draft), but since he wanted to win, he does not count,” Vincent Collet assured after the match.

The day before the match, in a press conference, the coach called for “15,000 fans, not 15,000 spectators” in the stands of Center Court, a sine qua non of the feat, before adding that it should be “we have to make things so to make them burn. “The coach at LNB Final 8 was heard. First by his players, and then by the public, who also wanted to be part of the party. Become the sixth player to push the Mets. And especially his favorite. Every block, every bounce or hit in the “V” basket was accompanied by “Wemby”, “Wemby”, shouts of joy and applause. Three-point number 1 Mets at the end of the 2nd quarter lifted the stadium by one person. Magic night. Almost a taste of the NBA. “A unique atmosphere for basketball,” said Colle.

During this final series, Vembanyama gained power over the matches. This Thursday, in front of Sports Secretary Amélie Oudéa-Caster, Tony Estangue or Serge Ibaki, the 2019 Toronto NBA champion, he played a sober but scoring game. Veteran game despite being 19 years old. Forcing nothing. His mere presence on the field changed the course of the match.

He finished the game with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal. He retained his title. As always. “Viktor has the potential to become one of the main players in the NBA,” Serbian Ibaka confided into the microphone of beIN Sports. The only advice I can give him is to work hard. He is young, he has talent, but he needs to work. It’s the first time I see him. »

The first one always notes. But for Wemby, it will eventually be his last. The last one, full of emotions, like this beautiful hug with his captain and “big brother” Lahau Konate after the match. “We thanked each other for the season, we know we had an incredible season, I wished him all the best for the future,” says Konate. He deserves everything that happens to him. It will affect world basketball. He impressed me to the end. He is modest. It was a great human adventure. »

“I saw us raising this cup a few days later,” Vembanyama breathes into the beIN microphone with tears in his eyes. This is definitely a disappointment. “Therefore, his career in France ends on this hot June evening. He won’t walk away with a new league title – his goal – a year after he got up with Asvel. Now he’s up for the NBA draft next Thursday, where he’ll no doubt be named first by the San Antonio Spurs. “It’s okay to be amazed and impressed by what he’s doing, but he’ll keep getting better,” Collet warns. He has a champion mentality. But Victor is not just a great player, he is a good person. »