Victor Wembanyama is taking on a new responsibility for his country, with the San Antonio Spurs superstar officially named captain of the French national team.The 22-year-old will lead France through its upcoming FIBA World Cup European qualifiers, continuing a summer that has seen Wembanyama embrace a bigger leadership role both internationally and with the Spurs.He is the youngest French captain since Tony Parker in 2003.Being captain is first and foremost about setting an example, being a leader, through performance on the court, knowing the systems, the opponents and bringing calm, Wembanyama said, according to FIBA.This window is a good opportunity to experience this new chapter with the coaching staff as a captain. Its probably earlier than I expected, and likely earlier than everyone else expected. But its not rushed either. Im honored and excited. I wasnt expecting it until [French coach Frdric Fauthoux] told me, but its a great honor.Wembanyama takes over after Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert captained France during qualifying windows earlier this summer.His first games as captain will come in friendlies against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Thursday and Sunday. France will then host Slovenia on Aug. 27 to begin its European qualifying campaign before traveling to Sweden on Aug. 30.It will mark Wembanyamas return to international basketball after helping France capture silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He averaged 15.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the tournament before France fell to Team USA in the gold-medal game.Despite another long NBA campaign, representing France remains particularly important to him.It carries more weight because it is worn for much shorter periods, Wembanyama told French newspaper LEquipe. The intensity of an Olympics campaign, for example, is condensed into just a few weeks. So, these are things that are experienced in the present moment. There are very few games in an international career, and every single one really counts.READ MORE: Joe Tsai Admits Knicks Championship Was Embarrassing for Nets
