The San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has known fellow French big man Maxime Raynaud since the two were young teenagers.

Their relationship developed from being opponents at around age 13 to training and playing together several years later. Wembanyama said Raynaud eventually became one of his closest friends.

“I don’t usually answer questions about opponents, but because it is Maxime, whom I like very much, I’ll do it,” Wembanyama said with a smile.

“We have known each other forever. We first played against each other when we were probably 13. At that time, he was just another opponent. When we were 16, we spent several months training and playing together.

“That was when he became one of my best friends. It has been a pleasure to follow his progress, first in college and now in the NBA. I’m very happy that he is here with the national team.”