LE CHESNAY, France — Victor Wembanyama found himself at the center of a newly established outdoor basketball court in his hometown, with his arms risen to showcase his extraordinary 8-foot wingspan as he posed for photographers in attendance.
Visibly delighted, Wembanyama celebrated the unveiling of the courts, which consist of one designed for 5-on-5 games and another for 3-on-3 play. These facilities were constructed according to Wembanyama’s personal specifications, which he had outlined himself.
“For those who may not know, the conception of this project began from a simple idea in a room,” remarked Brian Wright, the general manager of the San Antonio Spurs, as roughly sixty children sat on the newly prepared court, with an additional hundred spectators observing from nearby. “Victor painstakingly illustrated every detail of this court on a whiteboard, pouring his heart and soul into its design. This effort shows how special you are and how meaningful this is for you. Thank you, Victor.”
Wembanyama has been in France with the Spurs, preparing for a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers later this week in Paris. While most people associate him with the capital city, his roots lie in Le Chesnay— situated around 12 miles (20 kilometers) to the west.
The timing of the court’s completion was significant for Wembanyama and he aimed to have it ready before the Spurs’ visit, despite others doubting its feasibility. “Impossible,” stated Richard Delepierre, mayor of Le Chesnay, reflecting on the challenges that lay ahead, including the need to clear outdated facilities, navigate construction approval, and contend with the less-than-favorable weather typical for this time of year—all within close proximity to the historic Palace of Versailles.
Nonetheless, Wembanyama’s determination made the seemingly impossible become a reality in his hometown. “Beyond his incredible skills on the court, Victor possesses true persuasive charm and artistic abilities,” added Delepierre.
Following several months of hard work, the construction was completed just in time for Tuesday’s event. On a brisk afternoon, the new nets shone bright, appearing as if they had yet to see any play. Children eagerly unveiled a black curtain to reveal the main court design, which acknowledged both the Spurs’ emblem and the iconic Le Chesnay clock tower. Wembanyama seized his moment by catching a lob pass for the ceremonial first dunk. “I also dreamed of having courts like these when I lived here,” he commented.
Le Chesnay, with a population of around 30,000, is a small but charming city located to the west of central Paris. The town hall offers a picturesque view of the Palace of Versailles, famously linked to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the late 1700s and is surrounded by legends of Napoleon’s visits, including his orders for tree plantings along the pathways.
The town is now recognized as the place where Wembanyama’s basketball journey began. Local officials mention that many of the residents, known as Chesnaycourtois and Chesnaycourtoise, engage in various sports. Wembanyama stirred excitement in the community last year when he hosted an impromptu soccer match with friends on a field that was once his own playground. Handball, auto racing, and equestrian activities thrive in the area, alongside the notable filly named Le Chesnay that competed at the well-known Saratoga Race Course in 2009.
However, with Wembanyama’s rise to stardom, the essence of the town has transformed into a basketball haven. Children now frequently partake in the sport, often donning jerseys or shirts emblazoned with the Spurs logo. His mother, Elodie de Fautereau, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-3, also made her mark in basketball as both an athlete and a coach.
“The Spurs ‘Play Paris’ initiative goes beyond mere construction; it aims to establish a vibrant community hub that acknowledges Victor’s path and his dedication to giving back,” stated RC Buford, CEO of Spurs Sports and Entertainment. “We hope that this revitalized space will inspire future generations and highlight how sports can unify communities.”
While the Spurs refrained from disclosing the exact expenditure on the project, local officials stated it comprised a significant portion of the estimated $500,000 budget. It’s essential to note that the courts are not a personal tribute to Wembanyama; although they incorporate the city logo and the Spurs emblem, they do so without directly proclaiming the name of the NBA’s 2023-24 rookie of the year.
Wembanyama preferred the courts to reflect community spirit rather than focusing on his own name. And the project concluded just in time to showcase his commitment to the place that nurtured his beginnings. As Delepierre reflected on the previously doubted project, he concluded, “Impossible is not a word we associate with France.”
