Victor Wembanyama rose the little steps onto the improvised stage from the floor of the San Antonio Spurs’ home arena at Frost Bank Centre with long strides. Having just greeted him passionately on the riverwalk, the crowd were already showering him with love during his introduction news conference.

Wembanyama’s outstretched arm moved easily as he ascended the top step, shaking hands with Brian Wright, his general manager. Along with his height, this action suggested the attention he would demand both on and off the court.

Wembanyama’s coming out from the tunnel would be greeted with eager hands throughout the season as supporters yearned for pictures and recordings. The French phenom soon came to see that, whether at home or overseas, he would always be the focal point.

For Wembanyama, life was not always this glitzy though. Inspired by stars like Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, basketball was his love when growing up in France. Though he was quite tall, he was first just another face among the throng. But his NBA move turned him into a star on and off the court.

Having been carefully following Wembanyama’s path, French writer Benjamin Moubèche saw his ascent to fame. From facing off against top talent in the G League to nearly leading his team to a championship, Wembanyama’s journey from the streets of France to the spotlight of the NBA is a testament to his talent and determination.