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    Victor Wembanyama admits France exit brings unexpected frustration after Sweden win

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    Victor Wembanyama
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    Victor Wembanyama is heading back to San Antonio with plenty of positive memories from his latest international window with France – but also with a feeling he did not necessarily expect.

    After helping Les Bleus defeat Sweden 84-69, the San Antonio Spurs superstar admitted that leaving the national team has been more difficult emotionally than he anticipated.

    The victory completed France’s latest international assignment and marked Wembanyama’s first return to the national team since the Paris Olympics.

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    For the 22-year-old, the experience was about much more than the results.

    Wembanyama impressed by France’s progress

    France had to work for the victory in Sweden, facing a team that entered the game in excellent form and had won four consecutive games.

    Wembanyama felt the circumstances made the challenge particularly difficult, especially with Sweden playing at home.

    “It’s a team that was in good shape, knows each other well and was on four wins in a row, I think. They were at home, in a particular atmosphere and context for them. In the end, it’s not surprising. We also showed our character.”

    France did not shoot the ball particularly well, especially from three-point range, at one stage going just 3-for-26 from beyond the arc.

    Wembanyama, however, joked that he could not be blamed for that particular problem.

    “Poor shooting, yes, but I’m 1-for-1,” he said with a laugh.

    The Spurs star believes some of France’s offensive struggles were simply a consequence of the group still learning how to play together.

    France still learning to play with Wembanyama

    With Wembanyama back in the national team setup and taking on an increasingly important leadership role, France are still developing their identity.

    The big man acknowledged that communication was one of the areas that needed improvement, even taking responsibility for some of the confusion on the court.

    “I think it just shows our youth as a group. The fact that we’re trying to find each other. There was quite a bit, and partly because of me, a lack of clarity in what we were doing.”

    He explained that he occasionally made decisions without properly communicating them to his teammates, making it harder for the rest of the team to execute offensively.

    The situation improved after France addressed the problems at halftime.

    For Wembanyama, there is no reason to be overly concerned at this stage.

    “It’s just the beginning. These are guys who are used to making shots and who weren’t very accurate today. It happens, and it can only get better in the future.”

    “A big frustration” for Wembanyama

    Despite the positive results, the end of the international window brought an unexpected emotional reaction from France’s new captain.

    Wembanyama admitted that he was genuinely disappointed about having to leave the national team and wait another year before returning.

    “Yes. A big frustration. I didn’t expect it to be this much, but seeing these guys I’ve known for a very long time feels so good. It’s going to feel strange not being with them.”

    The experience was particularly meaningful because Wembanyama had not represented France for some time and returned to the squad with a different status.

    “It’s been a long time since I’ve been with the French team. I was also in a different role. I think I’ve got older, despite everything, since then. I’m coming back to appreciate the good things.”

    That change in perspective appears to have made the experience even more significant for him.

    Wembanyama already looking forward to San Antonio

    There is no doubt, however, that Wembanyama is also excited about returning to the NBA and getting back to work with the Spurs.

    The French superstar insisted that his nostalgia for the national team does not diminish his enthusiasm for the next chapter of his career.

    “A little bit, yes. But at the same time, it doesn’t take anything away from the fact that I’m very excited to return to San Antonio and get back to work. There is no place like there to work.”

    That will now become Wembanyama’s priority as he heads back to the United States.

    France will meanwhile have to maintain the momentum created during this window without their biggest star.

    Wembanyama believes the key will be keeping the connection between the players and coaching staff alive throughout the NBA season.

    “We have to keep the connection, follow the results of my teammates and stay in contact with the coach. It won’t be too difficult.”

    For France, having Wembanyama fully committed to the national team represents an enormous boost ahead of the next major international challenges.

    For Wembanyama himself, this latest window appears to have reinforced just how much the French jersey still means to him.

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    Basketball Sphere Editor and Writer.

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