It's his homecoming. Indeed, the towering young prodigy, standing at 7'4", promises not only to be the main focus of the French delegation but also a massive draw for spectators and fans around the world. When the basketball events tip-off at the Olympics on 27 July, all eyes will be on one place: the imposing and graceful Victor Wembanyama. At just 20 years old, the prodigy has achieved what many deemed impossible: bursting into NBA stardom.

The fortunate ones to have him? The San Antonio Spurs, who have been thrilled with his rookie season. His meteoric rise has not only been a feast for basketball fans but has also catapulted his fame to a global scale.

Benjamin Moubèche, a correspondent for REVERSE based in France, relocated to Texas to cover the arrival of the ‘Extraterrestrial’—a nickname due to his unique physique—in the NBA. "No athlete resonates with all generations like Victor Wembanyama," noted the French journalist.

For many, Wemby is one of the most extraordinary prospects of the 21st century. While there have been electrifying point guards like Derrick Rose and Kyrie Irving, and although Zion Williamson dominated his path to the top pick of the 2019 Draft, his performance hasn't fully met expectations. The same goes for Australian Ben Simmons.

In short, no one has inspired and impacted as much since the early century greats. And not just greats, but icons. Two, to be exact: LeBron James.

“Wemby attracts the youth, who are increasingly interested in the NBA, and the older generations, who are fascinated by his unique physique and excited to see a Frenchman excel in a sport where France hasn’t historically dominated,” continued Moubèche, clearly enamored with his compatriot.

Nothing could be closer to the truth. With a rise similar to that of his fellow athlete Kylian Mbappé during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Wemby has captivated the global sports scene. His 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks in his rookie season in the world’s best league are feats not easily matched.

Winning the Rookie of the Year, All-Defensive First Team, and Block Leader awards in his first NBA season marks him as a chosen one. Someone touched by a magic wand.

After a productive first year under the legendary Gregg Popovich, Wemby returns home. Trained at Nanterre 92, he passed through ASVEL and Metropolitans 92 before leaping to San Antonio. A year after leaving European courts, the real show is about to begin on his home turf.

Furthermore, what makes Wembanyama even more fascinating is his unmatched charisma. He’s not just a force on the court but also possesses a magnetic presence off it. His ability to connect with fans across French society makes his participation in the Games even more special.

Faced with this unprecedented phenomenon, the young athlete says, “The excitement around me doesn’t bother me at all. I just try to take the positives from it,” concludes the giant from Le Chesnay.

Paris 2024 offers the French star the perfect stage to solidify his status as a global basketball icon, also poised to change the dynamics of the sport in France. The versatile 20-year-old center is ready to make a difference on the Olympic stage, as he demonstrates with his words: “It’s truly something unique in sports. I think it’s the most important sporting event in the world.”

For the French, the chance to see the potential disruptor of the American dynasty compete at home is a scenario destined to become part of sports history. The countdown has begun, and the anticipation of seeing Wembanyama in action only continues to grow. Fortunately, only days, or for the more optimistic, hours, remain.

With just three days until the inaugural tip-off of one of the most coveted competitions at the Games, the men's basketball, filled with stars, the French team isn’t entering at its peak. Four consecutive losses have caused angst among local fans, but fortunately, Les Bleus' '34' offers much hope given his performance.

The French team will miss the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony on Friday due to a scheduling conflict, as the hosts begin their campaign against Brazil in Lille the next day. Rest will be crucial.

It’s safe to say that Wembanyama isn’t just crucial for France’s hopes but that these Games will mark a turning point between the twilight of the American generation led by LeBron, Curry, and Durant.

France promises to fight in the future, and Wemby already seems eager to fulfill that change with the wave of young talents in France, such as the brand new first two picks of the 2024 NBA Draft, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr. Without a doubt, they are prime contenders to challenge the U.S. for the FIBA basketball throne.

But first, Vincent Collet’s team must focus on the upcoming matches, starting with the Brazilian squad. Following that, games against Japan on July 30 and Germany on 2 August will determine the hosts’ fate in the competition.

Everything depends on the enthusiasm of the French team coming to light, with much of it resting on the ‘Extraterrestrial’ Wemby. As he aptly said in one of his latest statements, “Basketball is truly my passion. It’s what I live for.” Now, the show must go on.