Victor Wembanyama could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed when he met Tom Brady in New York earlier this week ahead of his first appearance at Madison Square Garden.
But the San Antonio Spurs rookie who is taking the NBA by storm has revealed he liked “the vibe” of the “humble” legendary NFL quarterback.
Brady brought his eldest son Jack to meet the Frenchman and his friend Michael Rubin – the founder of Fanatics – ahead of Wembanyama’s showdown with the Knicks on Wednesday night.
The 6-foot-4 Wembanyama, 19, towered over Brady, who himself has no idea of his 6-foot-4 height.
When asked for his thoughts on meeting Brady in the aftermath of the Spurs’ 126-105 loss in New York, Wembanyama was full of praise for the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Tom Brady met with Victor Wembanyama in New York ahead of his match at MSG on Wednesday
Brady also brought his son Jack to meet the San Antonio Spurs NBA star
No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama was cut in his MSG debut against the Knicks
The Frenchman said: ‘I really liked the atmosphere of him, very humble and interesting, but also interested (in other people).
‘It feels really good to see successful but happy people.
“He looks like he’s happy with the life he has, and he makes other people happy.”
Wembanyama, a football fan, was quick to emphasize that he knows “a little bit” about American football and is actively trying to learn “more and more.”
“I know about Tom Brady,” he told the media.
The No. 1 draft pick’s first game in the famed arena was one of the worst of his young career as he managed just one basket in the first three quarters of the Knicks’ 126-105 win.
Wembanyama missed his first seven shots and had more airballs (2) than field goals through three quarters when the Knicks led by as many as 30 points.
Wembanyama shot 4-14 and finished the game with 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss
He was in danger of not reaching double figures for the first time before scoring eight points in the fourth and finishing with 14 on 4-for-14 shooting.
Jalen Brunson scored 25 points for the Knicks, who won their second straight game. RJ Barrett added 24 points and six assists, while Julius Randle had 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Immanuel Quickley scored 19 off the bench and Mitchell Robinson led the strong defensive effort at Wembanyama with eight points and 12 rebounds.
Wembanyama, who led NBA rookies with 19.4 points per game, grabbed nine rebounds but missed all four 3-point attempts.
He received quite a few cheers before and later in the game, but also some cheering during the game.