Victor Wembanyama received a hero's welcome by hundreds of San Antonio Spurs fans on Friday as the 2023 No 1 NBA Draft pick touched down in Texas.
Around 300 excited fans gathered at San Antonio Airport in ferocious 38-degree Celsius heat as a private jet carrying Wembanyama touched down.
While media were allowed near the airport tarmac to report on Wembanyama's arrival, fans equipped with parasols and drinks coolers were kept behind a fence.
Cheers greeted the plane's arrival and a huge roar went up from fans when Wembanyama's brother Oscar appeared from within the plane, mistaken momentarily for his sibling.
When Wembanyama finally appeared he was greeted with more cheering before being hugged by San Antonio's team mascot, a coyote.
The 19-year-old Frenchman then obliged his fans by posing for selfies and giving autographs before shaking hands with police escort riders.
Wembanyama, who will be formally presented by the Spurs at an event in San Antonio on Saturday, was then whisked away as fans continued to cheer.
The teenager's selection by San Antonio at the draft in Brooklyn has sparked huge excitement in the Texas city, with Spurs fans hoping he will lead a revival of the club's fortunes.
The 7ft 4in (2.24m) forward is widely regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent, the most sought-after No 1 draft pick since LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003.
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Victor Wembanyama arrives at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. Wembanyama will be officially presented by the San Antonio Spurs on June 24, 2023, having been selected as the No 1 pick in the NBA draft. AFP -
Fans gather to watch San Antonio Spurs' first-round draft pick Victor Wembanyama arrive in San Antonio. AP -
Victor Wembanyama gestures while arriving at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
Fans cheer as a motorcade, with Victor Wembanyama on board, departs San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
San Antonio Spurs' first-round draft pick Victor Wembanyama arrives in San Antonio. AP -
A private jet, with Victor Wembanyama on board, arrives at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
Fans wait for Victor Wembanyama to arrive at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
A private jet, with Victor Wembanyama on board, arrives at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
San Antonio Spurs' first-round draft pick Victor Wembanyama arrives in San Antonio. AP -
Fans take photos as Victor Wembanyama disembarks the plane while arriving at San Antonio International Airport in San Antonio, Texas. AFP -
San Antonio Spurs' first-round draft pick Victor Wembanyama waves as he arrives in San Antonio. AP -
Fans press against a fence as Victor Wembanyama arrives in San Antonio. AP -
San Antonio Spurs' first-round draft pick Victor Wembanyama arrives in San Antonio. AP
