Hundreds of San Antonio Spurs followers braved sweltering temperatures to greet Victor Wembanyama on Friday because the French basketball prodigy and newly minted No.1 NBA Draft choose touched down in Texas.
Around 300 excited followers gathered at San Antonio Airport in ferocious 38-degree Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) warmth as a personal jet carrying Wembanyama touched down.
While media have been allowed close to the airport tarmac to report on Wembanyama’s arrival, followers geared up with parasols and drinks coolers have been stored behind a fence.
Cheers greeted the airplane’s arrival and an enormous roar went up from followers when Wembanyama’s brother Oscar appeared from inside the airplane, mistaken momentarily for his sibling.
Fans press towards a fence as San Antonio Spurs NBA first-round draft choose Victor Wembanyama arrives in San Antonio airport on June 23, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
AP Photo/Eric Gay
When Wembanyama lastly appeared he was greeted with extra cheering earlier than being hugged by San Antonio’s workforce mascot, a coyote.
Wembanyama then obliged his followers by posing for selfies and giving autographs earlier than shaking palms with police escort riders.
Wembanyama, who can be formally offered by the Spurs at an occasion in San Antonio on Saturday, was then whisked away as followers continued to cheer.
The teenager’s choice by San Antonio on the draft in Brooklyn has sparked large pleasure within the Texas metropolis, with Spurs followers hoping he’ll lead a revival of the membership’s fortunes.
The 7ft 4in (2.24m) ahead is extensively thought to be a once-in-a-generation expertise, probably the most sought-after No.1 draft choose since LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003.
