Learning to Read at Age 3, Helping Mother’s Business at 9, 7’3 Victor Wembanyama’s Childhood Was Larger Than His Size

The NBA is a very difficult league to be part of, as according to statistics only 4500 players have played in the league’s 76-year history. The league has entertained its viewers for 76 years, and as it enters its 77th year, the fans and the teams are excited about a young new prospect. The prospect is probably one of the most talked about players since LeBron James. Needless to say, he’s special and everyone is looking forward to Victor Wembanyama, who’s probably going to be the first draft pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

Victor Wembanyama, a 7’3″ French youngster, has already garnered attention from the NBA despite not having played a professional game yet. However, the 19-year-old has been a behemoth off the court as well, ever since he was a little kid.

Victor Wembanyama’s road to stardom has strong building blocks

Wembanyama is currently playing in Metropolitans 92 and has made the French team into contenders for their league. However, this isn’t the first time he’s stepped up, as the youngster was always there for his family from a young age.

In a recent report on Sports Illustrated, the life of the projected #1 pick for the 2023 NBA draft was articulately discussed. According to the report, Wembanyama was a quick learner, as he learned to read fluently by his third birthday and helped his mother coach kids his age when he was just nine.

Wembanyama was born and brought up in France. Naturally, his first inclination was toward soccer like many other young kids. However, his huge size made him a good basketball prospect as he joined a youth setup at Nanterre by the age of 10. 

Since that moment, his youth coach Karim Boubekri was extremely impressed with the youngster. Although most would think that Boubekri was enjoying the boy’s basketball gifts, the coach was most impressed with Wembanyama’s intelligence. Years later, the French youngster mentioned how his coach taught him “rigor” through his intense training.

ALSO READ: “What Did They Feed Him Man”: 7′4″ Victor Wembanyama Towering Over 3x All-Star Left NBA Fans in Shambles

As of now, Wembanyama stands at 7’3″ and is the most talked about player before a draft pick since the legendary LeBron James. Coincidentally, just like King James, the French sensation landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated in his teenage years.

Wembanyama walking the path of the great LeBron James

King James was the youngest to feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated at the time. Additionally, he was the most talked about teenager in basketball, as the youngster had huge pressure on his shoulders. Twenty years later, one can safely say that James has lived up to his expectations.

Watch This Story: Years before calling himself the goat, LeBron James wanted to honor Michael Jordan, pushing NBA to take a huge step.

However, the question remains whether Wembanyama would be able to live up to his. The 19-year-old’s talent is undeniable as he showed off against the G-League ignite in Las Vegas back in October. He does feel ready for the NBA, but he has a long way before proving himself to everyone.