NBA rising sophomore Victor Wembanyama went viral as his unworldly stature was on full display in a game against Japan at the Paris Olympics.
The 20-year-old stands at a staggering 7-foot-3, which has made him nearly impossible to guard in the NBA and now on the international stage.
On Tuesday, the Frenchmen took on Japan in their second group game. During the competition, the head-scratching height difference between the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise player and the opposition was on full display.
One picture shows Wembanyama setting a screen on Japan’s Yuki Kawamura, who stands at 5-foot-8. In the snap, Kawamura’s head sat several inches below the No 1 overall pick’s shoulder upon contact.
Another photo shows Wembanyama at the handshake line with 5-foot-6 Yuki Togashi – whose head measured just over the center’s elbow.
Victor Wembanyama went viral for towering over Japanese basketball players at the Olympics
The 7-foot-3 rising sophomore looked even more gigantic next to the opposition on Tuesday
Height difference aside, France barely edged their Japanese counterparts 94-90.
Wembanyama led the way for the hosts with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. He achieved the stat line while shooting 6-for-13 from the field and 3-for-5 from the three-point line.
Matthew Strazel, Evan Fournier, and Guerschon Yabusele chipped in with 17, 14, and 13 points, respectively.
Kawamura led Japan in their losing effort with a game-high 29 points while Rui Hachimura chipped in 24 of his own.
Japan has now fallen to 0-2 after losing to Germany on Saturday. Meanwhile, France is yet to lose after securing a win over Brazil on opening day.
France will play against Germany in their last group game on Friday while Japan will take on the Brazilians – who are also 0-2 in the tournament.
Wembanyama led the way for the hosts with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the win
While they barely scraped past Japan, 94-90, France moved to a 2-0 record in the Olympics
