When Stars Collide

This past week, the NBA world was able to see a glimpse of the future as the top two projected draft picks, Victor Wembanyana and Scoot Henderson, faced off. The Metropolitans 92 came from France to Las Vegas to play against the G League Ignite in two games on Tuesday and Thursday, and the results didn’t disappoint.

Scoot Henderson (left) and Victor Wembanyana (right) playing each other in a game.

In the first game on Tuesday, Scoot set the tone as he scored the first bucket of the game. His effort helped the Ignite to pull away in the first half, as they took a commanding 71-52 lead. The French big man Wembanyana erupted in the third quarter as he aided his team to close the gap to a 91-88 deficit entering the fourth. Scoot and Wembanyana went back and forth all the way down to the wire, but the Ignite would prevail through the battle as they came out on top 122-115. Wembanyana made another excellent case to show why he’s considered the first pick with 37 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 5 blocks on 55% shooting from the field and 63.6% from three on 11 attempts. Scoot, on the other hand, showed the scouts and executives that the big man shouldn’t be a lock to go first. The Ignite point guard posted 28 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals on 52.3% shooting and also shot 2-3 from three along with securing the win. Scoot showcased his speed and playmaking ability along with his shot creation, scoring, and dependable defense. At the same time, Wembanyana displayed his incredible shooting, shiftiness, his ability to score inside, and marvelous post-defense.

In the rematch on Thursday, Scoot and Wembanyana went at each other early. A collision with the two caused Scoot to miss the rest of the game after five minutes with a knee injury. His absence impacted the Ignite as the Metropolitans 92 took charge this time. Wembanyana led his team to a 112-106 victory as he was able to get his revenge from the previous matchup. The presumed number one pick produced a jaw-dropping stat line of 36 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks on 45.8% shooting with a plus/minus of +26.

The big man was able to produce against NBA-level talent and solidified his case for first overall in front of the scouts and executives. His shooting and shot creation as a seven-footer is something almost unseen in the NBA as he drew comparisons to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. He was also able to defend on the other end and showcased his shot-blocking and defensive ability. Looking from a raw talent perspective, Wembanyana has a strong case to be the best prospect since Lebron James.

As for Scoot, missing the rest of the second game did minor damage to his chances of going first as Wembanyana had the spotlight, but the Ignite guard still showcased how he’s been developing in the G League. Scoot was able to score efficiently and create opportunities for his teammates, while also playing great defense. The soon-to-be G League product displayed confidence and looked more like a commander as he will now be the go-to option for the team this year. This year’s draft has some great talent all around, but all eyes will be on Victor Wembanyana and Scoot Henderson, as they’ll both play their hardest to see who goes first in the 2023 NBA draft.