Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

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He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

What team has the #1 draft pick?

graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

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He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

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LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

concernedparent said:

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LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

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Wemby went 7-11 from deep.
He dribbles, he fades, he spins in the paint, he's the tallest around the rim by far.
I'll take Wemby.

Lowe had Bill Simmons on his podcast and they spent some time talking about the best prospects and went back to Kareem. Except Kareem could not shoot from outside.

Best prospect EVER!
And Woj said he could add $500M to franchise valuation of whoever gets the #1 pick. Lowe went further, $1B.

We are going to see insane tanking this season. Nobody wants to sniff the Play In If you aren't gunning for a title, you're gunning in the opposite direction, the increase your odds in the lottery.

Here are the odds of the top ten picks:

1) 14%
2) 14%
3) 14%
4) 12.5%
5) 10.5%
6) 9%
7) 7.5%
8) 6%
9) 4.5%
10) 3.0%

If the Warriors have a known tanker on their schedule, they'll be free to start their rookies and know they'll win anyways. All playoff teams should enter the playoffs well rested (injuries aside) because of the lighter workload this season.

By the way, that Woj pod starts with talk of the Draymond punch/attack. But I see there's another thread on that.

Re Wembanyama, I've never seen anything like him. He's KD but 4" taller.



News story:

Victor Wembanyama came to Las Vegas this week and put the hype machine into overdrive: In two games against the G-League Ignite he scored 73 points with 15 rebounds, nine blocks, hit 9-of-18 3-pointers (and 22-of-44 overall). He is a 7'4 freak that LeBron James called an "alien" and a "generational talent," and Stephen Curry said he was a "2K create-a-player."

Combine that with the play of the Ignite's Scoot Henderson who had scouts using a young Derrick Rose comparison because of his athleticism, body control and skill and the reaction in NBA circles was clear: There will be a "race to the bottom" this season. With multiple franchise cornerstone players available (and a deep draft at the top beyond those two), tanking will be an epidemic in the NBA.

Adam Silver, speaking in the United Arab Emirates before an NBA preseason game between the Bucks and Hawks, does not want to see teams tanking for Wembanyama.

Good luck with that, Adam.

Good thread.
I had heard of him, then watched him play, and like everyone else, lost my **** !

Here's game 1 highlights.
Above was game 2.

By the way, Ignite has Scoot Henderson, who would be the #1 if not for Wemby.

concernedparent said:

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graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

---

He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

---

LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

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Really hard to say these guys were better as they did different things than VW, and different things than each other. Like LeBron was a better passer, Luka a better scorer, and VW is a better shot blocker. So who is better? I think there has never been anyone at 18 as impactful as VW other than Kareem or possibly Wilt.

I first saw him last year when tore up Chet Holmgren in an international game. Look for it on youtube. But he is so much better this year, it is like he is a different guy. He also seems to have the smarts of the top players.

sluggo said:

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concernedparent said:

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graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

---

He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

---

LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

---

Really hard to say these guys were better as they did different things than VW, and different things than each other. Like LeBron was a better passer, Luka a better scorer, and VW is a better shot blocker. So who is better? I think there has never been anyone at 18 as impactful as VW other than Kareem or possibly Wilt.

I first saw him last year when tore up Chet Holmgren in an international game. Look for it on youtube. But he is so much better this year, it is like he is a different guy. He also seems to have the smarts of the top players.

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here is the youtube of the game. interesting that CH and VW didn't match up against each other much

who is the number 11 USA post. good player

Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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You miss 100% of the recruits you don't offer. We have to sell him on the 40 year decision that's all.

fat_slice said:

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Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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You miss 100% of the recruits you don't offer. We have to sell him on the 40 year decision that's all.

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LOL, you're my man, fat_slice!

Yes, Durant is closest, but he is taller and more athletic, maybe even more skilled.

Imagine Wembanyama on the Warriors?

concernedparent said:

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sluggo said:

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concernedparent said:

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graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

---

He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

---

LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

---

Really hard to say these guys were better as they did different things than VW, and different things than each other. Like LeBron was a better passer, Luka a better scorer, and VW is a better shot blocker. So who is better? I think there has never been anyone at 18 as impactful as VW other than Kareem or possibly Wilt.

I first saw him last year when tore up Chet Holmgren in an international game. Look for it on youtube. But he is so much better this year, it is like he is a different guy. He also seems to have the smarts of the top players.

---

I'm on the Wembanyama is the greatest prospect of all time train. I hink he has the highest ceiling of any prospect ever, but LeBron was putting up 21 PPG in a slower paced NBA and Luka was EuroLeague MVP at the same age.

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Actually, LeBron didn't graduate from HS until he was 19 so at 18 he was killing HS players, not NBA'ers...

Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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tell me again…. How many years did Al Grigsby get?

concordtom said:

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Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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tell me again…. How many years did Al Grigsby get?

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Grigsby had six. Heck, we had that D-lineman of ours who got his 7th year last season (one year was at B.C.).

Maybe Wemby could play for us for EIGHT years!

And that's exactly where I was going!!

Go Bears!!

bearmanpg said:

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concernedparent said:

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sluggo said:

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concernedparent said:

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graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

---

He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

---

LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

---

Really hard to say these guys were better as they did different things than VW, and different things than each other. Like LeBron was a better passer, Luka a better scorer, and VW is a better shot blocker. So who is better? I think there has never been anyone at 18 as impactful as VW other than Kareem or possibly Wilt.

I first saw him last year when tore up Chet Holmgren in an international game. Look for it on youtube. But he is so much better this year, it is like he is a different guy. He also seems to have the smarts of the top players.

---

I'm on the Wembanyama is the greatest prospect of all time train. I hink he has the highest ceiling of any prospect ever, but LeBron was putting up 21 PPG in a slower paced NBA and Luka was EuroLeague MVP at the same age.

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Actually, LeBron didn't graduate from HS until he was 19 so at 18 he was killing HS players, not NBA'ers...

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He was born in December 1984, his first NBA game was in October 2003. He was 18 when he entered and turned 19 during his rookie year.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lebron-james-nba-debuts-rookies#:~:text=On%20October%2030%2C%202003%2C%2018,Sacramento%20Kings%2C%20106%2D92.

Big C said:

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concordtom said:

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Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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tell me again…. How many years did Al Grigsby get?

---

Grigsby had six. Heck, we had that D-lineman of ours who got his 7th year last season (one year was at B.C.).

Maybe Wemby could play for us for EIGHT years!

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Luc Bequette son of Stanford alum and Olympic gold medalist Debbie Thomas.

fat_slice said:

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Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

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You miss 100% of the recruits you don't offer. We have to sell him on the 40 year decision that's all.

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This is a GREAT post. Also Yoga. Bruntte Yoga instructors.

With NIL now blurring the NCAA's formerly strict rules on amateurism/professionalism, are young professional players on European and other leagues now recruitable?

calumnus said:

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Big C said:

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concordtom said:

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Big C said:

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Is there nobody here who thinks Wemby is going to come to Cal and be a Golden Bear for four glorious years?

---

tell me again…. How many years did Al Grigsby get?

---

Grigsby had six. Heck, we had that D-lineman of ours who got his 7th year last season (one year was at B.C.).

Maybe Wemby could play for us for EIGHT years!

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Luc Bequette son of Stanford alum and Olympic gold medalist Debbie Thomas.

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Wow. I didn't know the relationship.

Luc is 6'2" 295 (online) while Debi was 5'5.5" and 115 (again, according to online).

She became a physician, and here's an article about dad Chris, who must be a big guy himself.

https://www.bluehogreport.com/2022/02/11/bronze-medal-figure-skating-gold-medal-hypocrisy-the-chris-bequette-story/amp/

concernedparent said:

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bearmanpg said:

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concernedparent said:

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sluggo said:

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concernedparent said:

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graguna said:

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sluggo said:

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Victor Wembanyama is a French teenager who I think is the best NBA prospect since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 7'4'' he can handle the ball, pass, shoot 3s, and block shots at the highest level. There has never been a comparable player. Ralph Sampson is the only well-rounded 7'4'' or taller player, but his skills were just okay and he lacked competitiveness. Manute Bol blocked shots and tried 3s, but the 3s missed and he had nothing else. Rudy Gobert has some defensive similarities without the offense, same with Mark Eaton. Kareem himself probably could have mastered other skills if he played in this era, but he didn't.

VW came to the states this week to play two games against the G-league Ignite and exceeded the hype. Below is the first. He will not be coming to Cal.

---

He's unreal. I watched him for the first time a few days ago. I was blown away. i've never seen a better 18 year old.

---

LeBron was better at 18, and maybe even Luka, but Wembanyama if he hits his ceiling could break the game.

---

Really hard to say these guys were better as they did different things than VW, and different things than each other. Like LeBron was a better passer, Luka a better scorer, and VW is a better shot blocker. So who is better? I think there has never been anyone at 18 as impactful as VW other than Kareem or possibly Wilt.

I first saw him last year when tore up Chet Holmgren in an international game. Look for it on youtube. But he is so much better this year, it is like he is a different guy. He also seems to have the smarts of the top players.

---

I'm on the Wembanyama is the greatest prospect of all time train. I hink he has the highest ceiling of any prospect ever, but LeBron was putting up 21 PPG in a slower paced NBA and Luka was EuroLeague MVP at the same age.

---

Actually, LeBron didn't graduate from HS until he was 19 so at 18 he was killing HS players, not NBA'ers...

---

He was born in December 1984, his first NBA game was in October 2003. He was 18 when he entered and turned 19 during his rookie year.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lebron-james-nba-debuts-rookies#:~:text=On%20October%2030%2C%202003%2C%2018,Sacramento%20Kings%2C%20106%2D92.

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Thanks for the correction....since he turned 18 in December of his senior year, most of his senior year games were played when he was 18....I'm trying to be right even if I was wrong....

He looks pretty skinny. He would get pushed around a lot in the NBA.

He's still young so maybe he can add 20-30 lbs of muscle, but then how will that affect his explosiveness?

dimitrig said:

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He looks pretty skinny. He would get pushed around a lot in the NBA.

He's still young so maybe he can add 20-30 lbs of muscle, but then how will that affect his explosiveness?

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Lebron calls him an Alien. He's in awe of his talent. That's all I need to know about him.
And he will add muscle naturally. He's a freak of nature, and will be spectacular.

NBA reaction: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/08/the-nba-tank-for-victor-wembanyama-will-be-ugly-but-it-could-inspire-change