Victor Wembanyama Game Worn ‘Skills Challenge’ City Edition Jersey

This ‘City Edition’ jersey was worn by Victor Wembanyama on February 17, 2024, in the Kia Skills Challenge at the 2024 State Farm All-Star Saturday Night. 

Of all the events on All-Star Saturday, perhaps none were better suited to Wemby’s unique abilities than the Kia Skills Challenge. As part of ‘Team Top Picks’ with Paolo Banchero and Anthony Edwards, Wemby, the tallest participant in the event's history, demonstrated his exceptional ball handling and agility.

This challenge required players to navigate various obstacles, execute precise passes, and shoot, all while racing against the clock. In each round of the event, fans were left in awe as Wemby moved around the court like a guard while covering the ground quickly with his tremendous strides. He set one of the best times in the relay portion of the event and his impressive long-range shooting almost led to a comeback for his team in the shooting contest.

This lot is accompanied by a pair of game-issued shorts, however, due to the provenance, we believe they are likely worn.

Diving Deeper - The Number 1 Pick

On May 16th, 2023 the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery for the third time in franchise history, earning the right to select first and secure a franchise player that will shape the team’s success for years to come. A month later, on June 22, they selected Victor Wembanyama, a 19-year-old professional player from France with a height of 7’4'' and an 8-foot wingspan. His raw natural physical talents were noticeable at age 14, and in just a few years was already projected as the #1 pick in the draft. 

Wemby gained his first professional experience with Nanterre 92 at age 16, eventually signing a contract for three years with ASVEL in the EuroLeague, where his game began to rapidly develop. After his first season, he opted out of contract to sign with Metropolitans 92 of the LNB Pro A League, catching the attention of the American media while playing two exhibition games against NBA G-League ignite, where he dominated both games scoring 37 and 36 points, respectively, putting him on the NBA map. He proceeded to dominate the league in the 2022-2023 season, winning many accolades including becoming the youngest to win League MVP. 

At 7’4”, Wemby is considered the tallest in the NBA at the time of his debut at age 19, already being compared to the NBA’s top long-range shooters, ball handlers, shot blockers, and passers. The scouts describe him as offensively skilled both in the paint and on the perimeter, with impressive dribbling and ball control for a man of his size. He also rates high defensively, with the ability to pivot and move smoothly, and his significant height advantage makes him a premier shot blocker.