Photo: Peter Baba

Victor Wembanyama admitted he would have preferred to face Luka Doncic when France hosts Slovenia in its upcoming World Cup qualifier in Paris.

Slovenia will be without the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, taking away the possibility of another matchup between two of the NBA’s biggest names.

Despite his disappointment, Wembanyama stressed that Doncic’s absence will not affect France’s approach to the game.

“That is the kind of thing people generally talk about, but it isn’t the mindset we have right now – or the mindset we ever have. I don’t ask myself whether it is better or worse.

“You have to take the games as they are and the rosters as they are. That is the reality. It is true that I’m a little disappointed Luka won’t be there, but I’ll have another opportunity to face him later in my career.”