The Star of Levallois Perret

Matthew H

A mere 20-minute subway ride from the center of Paris, in a small residential suburb, unbeknownst to many, plays one of the most hyped players in basketball’s history. There have been many great French basketball players, from Rudy Gobert to Tony Parker, but never has one received so much attention and been so highly rated. Beyond his incredible size (he is 7ft 2), his unbelievable ball skills, agility and composure are all remarkable. Combined, all these factors make Victor Wembanyama exceptional. All who follow basketball and many more try to see him play live before, as is widely presaged, he goes number 1 in the next NBA draft and moves to the US. The stadium is sold out and there is a weeks-long waiting list to obtain his official jersey. This weekend, we went to see him play. As we got close to the arena, we could feel how special this night was. People filled the sidewalks around the stadium, and their excitement was tangible. From the moment I set foot inside the arena, the crowd’s fervor could be felt, as people crowded along the rail to catch a glimpse of the

French phenom’s training. As the game began, the 2000 or so spectators packed into the small neighborhood arena roared him on every time he took a shot or made a pass. But the excitement was not contained to this usually sleepy neighborhood. Indeed, journalists from around the world were packed into a press section unaccustomed to that activity. Across the court from alocal class, renowned actor Michael Douglas watched on as the whiz kid dazzled both the crowd and defenders, who could not follow his swift changes of direction, breathtaking dribbles and pinpoint shots.