“Can’t Play That Way”: French Coach Publicly Calls Out Victor Wembanyama After 1st Setback at Paris Olympics

Victor Wembanyama, the French basketball prodigy, faced his first loss in the 2024 Olympics on Friday. Competing for the top spot in Group B against Germany led to France’s defeat, 85-71. After the game, it seemed as if it wasn’t just the media but his coach, Vincent Collet calling him out publically. Collet made absolutely no attempts to mince his words about Wemby’s performance.

Washington Post’s Ben Golliver tweeted Collet’s response via his X handle. “He stopped the ball too much. Against that kind of aggressiveness, you can’t play that way. You are never 1-on-1 because they come to double team and there’s no space to operate. It’s important to move the ball.”

Well, to be honest, France did not stand much chance against the reigning FIBA world champion, Germany, as the two squared off in Pierre Mauroy Stadium. With a convincing victory over the French team., the Germans showed the world just what exactly they were capable of. Those who were closely following the matchup would tell you that France’s loss was inevitable. Germany practically held a 20-point lead for a large stretch of the contest.

Except for a quick run in the middle of the second half, France never really survived the onslaught led by Franz Wagner, Daniel Theis, and Dennis Schroder. You’d think having a 7’4 giant on the French team’s side would make things a little more exciting. Unfortunately, Wemby was relatively quiet this time around.

After the disappointing loss, Wembanyama admitted that France had it going when the ball was swinging. It was the same point that his coach mentioned above. The 2024 unanimous ROTY has been brilliant for the most part. But with Germany, Wemby’s performance is one he would rather forget. Die Mannschaft, literally translated as ‘The Team,’ took the lead early on, finishing the first half 48-27. While ‘The Blues’ came close to bridging the gap in the fourth quarter, it fizzled out just as fast.

The key point here was that Germany didn’t have to throw their entire defense to neutralize the “generational talent”. For example, Daniel Theis, the 32-year-old Pelicans forward, had the duty of guarding Victor Wembanyama for the majority of the first quarter. And the result? Six French players scored before Wemby could drain one of his own on a putback dunk midway through the second quarter.

What’s next for Victor Wembanyama and the Les Blues?

After the close call with Japan previously and tonight’s loss against Germany, it’s become clear that the Spurs‘ superstar has to help himself to help his team. The likelihood of a France-Canada matchup in the medal round looks quite positive. Given that seedings won’t be determined until Group C finishes its games, all the signs point to the above scenario.

For one, a Team USA win over Puerto Rico would basically seal the deal of the showdown between ‘The Blues’ and the undefeated Canadian team. Barring any major upset, of course. Although Wemby might not see enough help on the court, he can certainly look for it in the stands. The Spurs’ GM, Brian Wright, was among the crowd supporting the French phenom. And his head coach, Gregg Popovich, did hint that he’d be in Paris to watch his protégé.

So, how will Victor Wembanyama fare under all the watchful eyes? Will he break or make it? Thoughts?

 Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.