The FIBA World Cup 2023 has kicked off with a series of thrilling matches, showing the best of international basketball. However, the French team, a powerhouse in the sport, has had a disappointing start. The absence of Victor Wembanyama, the 7’5″ prodigy who was expected to make a significant impact, has been keenly felt. 

Nicolas Batum, the French superstar, has expressed his disappointment over Wembanyama’s absence.

Batum’s Take on Wembanyama’s Absence

In their opening game against Canada at the FIBA World Cup, France faced a tough challenge without the presence of Wembanyama on their side. The French team ended up losing by 95-75 points, leaving them with an uphill battle for qualification from their group. Despite having talented players like Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert on their roster, it was clear that something was missing.

Nicolas Batum, the 34 YO NBA player who plays for the Clippers, has been candid about the impact of Victor Wembanyama’s absence on the team’s performance. “Even though I’ve never played with him before and we don’t have any competition experience in common, it’s obvious that we miss him. His offensive and defensive performance, his size, his talent, his aura, everything would have brought a big plus to our team which is already very strong”, Batum said.

Batum also commented on Wembanyama’s decision to withdraw from the World Cup. “There is such expectation around him. I told him when he announced his withdrawal. His situation is incomparable, no one has experienced one like his in the history of our sport. So we cannot not judge because it never existed.”

Looking Forward to the Olympics

Despite the setback in the World Cup, Batum is optimistic about France’s prospects in the upcoming Olympics. “Do you doubt it? He will be there to break everything so that we can have the best tournament possible in Paris… and in Lille,” he said.

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