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Victor Wembanyama navigates uncharted territory on the court

He's 7-foot-4, he's French, and he's playing like no other NBA player ever has. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama says he's finding his own answers.

Victor Wembanyama, a 22-year-old center for the San Antonio Spurs, spoke about navigating uncharted territory in basketball. Standing at 7-foot-4, Wembanyama is considered a prodigy and the most anticipated rookie since LeBron James. Despite his towering height, he emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with uncertainty, admitting he thrives when he doesn't know his answers, embracing the fog of learning.

Wembanyama reflected on the Spurs' 4-1 series loss to the New York Knicks, attributing it to a lack of his usual performance. He stated, "Going out there, you need to play basketball. You don't need to beat the s**t out of people — if you want to win, at least." His self-awareness and humility, influenced by former coach Gregg Popovich, helped him learn from the loss.

In a bid to improve his conditioning, Wembanyama doubled down after a shoulder blood clot sidelined him in his second season. He is particularly keen on strengthening his feet, believing they play a crucial role in his game. Wembanyama also discusses his curiosity, which has led him to study kung fu, meditation, and even chess. He sees parallels between basketball and chess, both requiring strategic decision-making.

His unique blend of size, skill, and curiosity has set him apart in the NBA, even as he embraces the lavish lifestyle that comes with his success.

Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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60 Minutes Transcript: San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama can dunk without jumping, freeze defenders with his ballhandling, and drain three-pointers. Wembanyama, 22, is the new face of the NBA.

  • Victor Wembanyama, 22, is NBA sensation known as The Alien
  • 7-foot-4 center defies expectations with unique size and skill
  • Alley-oops are source of greatest joy in basketball for Wembanyama

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