Photo: Peter Baba

Victor Wembanyama is taking a patient approach to his new responsibility as captain of the French national team.

The 22-year-old has become an increasingly important figure for France, both on and off the court, as the country begins another World Cup cycle.

Wembanyama said he is confident in his leadership qualities but does not expect to immediately become the finished product as captain.

“It isn’t an issue for me because I have confidence in who I am and what I can bring to a group, both from a sporting perspective and in terms of philosophy.

“With the French national team, we are talking about a project measured in decades.

“It develops over time, and I think it is important not to skip any steps. The objective is to move closer every day to becoming the captain I want to be.”