At barely nine years old, Victor Wembanyama was already creating waves on the basketball floor, providing a window into the amazing trip his destiny would define. Pictures of the youthful Wembanyama participating in the U11 division inspire nostalgia for his modest upbringing and amazing development since then.

Hailed as a French international sensation now 20 years old, Wembanyama is poised to be the first choice in the forthcoming NBA Draft, a monument to his diligence over years. But the Metropolitans player developed his abilities on other clubs, including his hometown’s Entente Le Chesney-Versailles, before attaining this highest degree of accomplishment. Three critical years set the groundwork for his future successes as he set out with Nanterre towards basketball glory.

Watching footage from a Croissy game reminds one of Wembanyama’s early years in the game poignantly. The youthful Wembanyama is clearly displaying his abilities and adjusting to the demands of competitive basketball even though he is up against older U11 rivals.

Sporting a 15 jersey for Boulogne-Levallois, these pictures show the development of a young star destined to rule the courts of the Betclic Elite division and set sights on taking over the American basketball scene.