Sources: Wembanyama changing teams in Franceon June 30, 2022 at 3:31 pm

The most coveted NBA draft prospect in the world is on the move.

Victor Wembanyama, ranked No. 1 on the 2023 ESPN mock draft, has opted out of his contract with ASVEL Villeurbanne and is signing a two-year contract with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 from Paris, a source told ESPN.

The 7’3, 18-year old with a 7’9 wingspan and 9’7 standing reach has wowed NBA executives for the better part of three years now with his exceptional combination of fluidity, perimeter skill, shot-blocking instincts, and feel for the game, cementing himself as the likely No. 1 pick barring a major surprise. He was named French LNB Pro A Best Young Player of the year two years in a row.

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Wembanyama was pursued by teams and leagues around the globe, including G League Ignite, the Australian NBL, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Basket and many others.

Wembanyama will be coached by long-time French national team head coach Vincent Collet, who has been at the helm of the Tokyo Olympic silver medalists since 2009. Collet has won several titles domestically in France also, being named Coach of the Year in France on five separate occasions, including most recently this season.

Collet coached then-19-year old Nicolas Batum in Le Mans prior to him entering the NBA Draft in 2008, giving him an opportunity to showcase himself in the Euroleague despite his youth. He’s well-regarded for his player development ability and willingness to showcase young players, which played a major role in Wembanyama’s decision.

Wembanyama had an opt-out clause in his contract with ASVEL that needed to be executed by June 29th, which he ultimately did after the team ended their playoff run with a championship in a five-game series over Monaco.

Wembanyama played 33 of 76 possible games this season in the Euroleague and France, dealing with several minor injuries which played a role in his departure. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 18 minutes per game in Pro A France, shooting 61% from 2-point range and converting 70% of his free throw attempts.

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