GENERATIONAL
FRENCH basketball star Victor Wembanyama had made a name for himself in the NBA.
After being the first pick in the 2023 NBA draft, basketball fans want to know more about the San Antonio Spurs player's family.
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Who are Victor Wembanyama's parents?
Victor Wembanyama was born on January 4, 2004, to Felix Wembanyama and Elodie de Fautereau.
His father is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is a former track and field athlete while his mother is a professional basketball player-turned-coach.
“Dad gave me the passion for knowing subjects in depth,” Victor told SLAM, “being a real technician of sports, of whatever I do.
“[Elodie is] more like me,” Victor continued. “We really look alike, and she’s kind of eccentric sometimes.”
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The 7-foot-4 rising star grew up just outside Paris, France, in Le Chesnay with his two siblings, Eve and Oscar, who both play basketball.
Victor returned to Paris, France, in August 2024 to compete in the Summer Olympics with his native country.
On August 10, 2024, the United States beat France with a 98-97 victory. However, Victor had an exceptional game with 26 points and seven rebounds.
Who in Victor's family has played basketball?
Victor comes from a generation of basketball players.
According to SLAM: "His grandfather, Michel De Fautereau, played in the ’60s in the French first division for Paris University Club. Grandpa was a rugged 6-7 dunking center.
"Last but not least, his grandma, Marie Christine, was also a baller. For years, she drove her husband to the game and picked him up after. The dedication for sports runs deep in Victor’s family."
Victor told the outlet that growing up, he always had a "choice" on whether or not to play the sport, "but basketball has always been around,” he said. “I can’t avoid it in my family.”
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Who is Victor Wembanyama?
Victor was drafted to the San Antonio Spurs during the 2023 NBA draft on June 22, 2023, as a first-round draft pick.
Victor first gained American attention due to his skills on the court, so he was unanimously projected to be the first overall pick in the draft.
The rising star has over 4.1 million followers on Instagram, where he often posts pictures of himself playing basketball.