When Victor Wembanyama is taken in the NBA Draft on Thursday night, he anticipates an emotional evening.

Wembanyama, 19, the most highly anticipated basketball player since LeBron James, believes his father would be the most emotional when NBA commissioner Adam Silver shouts his name on Thursday.

The 7-foot-2 athlete has been practicing for the draft in New York City and will be joined by his family at the Barclay’s Centre in Brooklyn. Wembanyama is excited for his parents, older sister Eve, and younger brother Oscar to be present when he is chosen, and he expects his father to be the most emotional family member.

“It’ll probably be my dad,” Wembanyama predicts while speaking to PEOPLE on the red carpet before Thursday’s draft. “I think he’s not going to show it, but he will be.”

The basketball superstar is said to be the most sought-after NBA prospect since James, 38, joined the league in 2003, combining his big body with a nimble and dynamic playing style. He’s “like an alien,” the Lakers player said about the upcoming star last year.

Most observers consider the budding basketball star to be a “generational” talent. He has been playing professionally in France since the age of sixteen. Wembanyama will now join the NBA, where he is expected to rise to prominence.