Victor Wembanyama, the potential No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, may be leaving Asvel of the EuroLeague, Emiliano Carchia of Sportando relays. The 7’3” big man has an opt-out clause that must be exercised before June 26. He signed a three-year deal with Asvel last summer but only averaged 6.5 PPG and 3.8 RPG in 13 games last season. Paris Basketball, which will be competing in EuroCup next season, is pursuing him, according to L’Equipe.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- Russian athletes continue to pay a price for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Teams from the Russian Federation have been suspended from participation in the 2022/23 EuroLeague and EuroCup competitions, Emiliano Carchia of Sportando tweets.
- Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero are the top-tier prospects in this year’s draft, John Hollinger of The Athletic writes. Hollinger places Jaden Ivey and Chet Holmgren in the next tier, with Bennedict Mathurin heading Tier III. Overall, Hollinger reveals his top 75 list.
- The East Asia Super League tips off in October, and Alex Kennedy of the Basketball News takes a closer look at its potential impact.