Photo: Peter Baba

Victor Wembanyama said his late-game shot selection during France’s two preparation games against Serbia was connected to his responsibilities as a player rather than his new role as national team captain.

France used the games against Nikola Jokic and Serbia as preparation for its World Cup qualifying campaign, giving Wembanyama an opportunity to test different situations after spending significant time away from international competition.

“Those weren’t initiatives I took as captain, but as a player with responsibilities. These are things you have to try because it had been a long time since we had played. It is the best way to find out what works and what doesn’t. It was a way of shaking off the rust, in a sense,” Wembanyama said.

The French star also discussed one of the adjustments players face when returning to international competition – using the FIBA basketball.

“The adjustment isn’t only for NBA players. It is also true for EuroLeague players and those from the French league. The FIBA ball isn’t popular with players at all. That is the best way to summarize it.”