Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated NBA draft prospect, recently made a trip to New York City before the draft night. During his visit, Wembanyama decided to take a quick trip to the Big Apple subway, where he recreated a famous photo of former French President Jacques Chirac.
In the snapshot, Wembanyama can be seen jumping over a gate, just like Chirac did in the Paris metro back in 1980. The 2.22m tall basketball player perfectly replicated the iconic image, showcasing his athleticism and paying homage to the legendary photo.
The original photo of Chirac jumping over a turnstile at Auber station in Paris has become a cult classic. The photographer of the shot revealed that one of the metro directors had placed a metro ticket in the gate, but Chirac, like many politicians, had never taken the metro before. As a result, he did not withdraw his ticket, leading to the barrier not opening.
Wembanyama’s trip to the New York subway not only allowed him to recreate the famous photo but also gave him a taste of American public transport. The Frenchman expressed his preference for the comfort of the New York subway compared to the Paris metro, jokingly stating, “The Paris metro, I can’t stand.”
The 2023 NBA draft is eagerly awaited, with Wembanyama being compared to basketball superstar LeBron James. His popularity in the United States was evident during his time in New York, as he received immense attention from fans and media alike.
As the draft night approaches, Wembanyama’s trip to the Big Apple subway and his recreation of the iconic Chirac photo have added to the excitement surrounding his future in the NBA. Fans and basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of his selection during the draft.
How has Victor Wembanyama’s subway adventure in New York City added to the anticipation surrounding his future in the NBA?
Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s most anticipated draft prospect, recently took a detour to the bustling streets of New York City. As he explored the city that never sleeps, he couldn’t resist a visit to the iconic New York subway. But his subway adventure was more than just a regular commute. Wembanyama decided to pay homage to a legendary moment in French history.
In a breathtaking snapshot captured by the lens of a talented photographer, Wembanyama can be seen soaring over a subway gate, mirroring the infamous jump made by former French President Jacques Chirac back in 1980. The towering 2.22m basketball phenom flawlessly recreated the iconic image, showcasing not only his athletic prowess but also his sense of fun and reverence for history.
The original photo of Chirac effortlessly leaping over a turnstile at Auber station in Paris has achieved cult status over the years. The backstory behind the snapshot adds to its allure. It is said that a mischievous metro director had purposely placed a metro ticket in the gate, assuming Chirac had never taken the metro before. Much to everyone’s surprise, Chirac didn’t withdraw a ticket since he, like many politicians, had never experienced the metro firsthand. The absent ticket led to the barrier firmly staying shut.
For Wembanyama, his excursion to the New York subway wasn’t just an opportunity to recreate a classic moment; it was also a chance to embrace American public transportation. Comparing the experience to his encounters with the Paris metro, the talented Frenchman jokingly declared, “The Paris metro, I can’t stand.” Perhaps it was the comfort, efficiency, or maybe just the allure of the Big Apple that made the New York subway stand out.
As the 2023 NBA draft approaches, the excitement surrounding Wembanyama continues to grow. The young basketball prodigy has drawn comparisons to no less than LeBron James, a superstar of the sport. His recent trip to the New York subway only served to fuel the anticipation and frenzy surrounding his future in the NBA. Fans and avid basketball enthusiasts across the United States showered him with attention wherever he went, leaving no doubt about his rising popularity.
With each passing day, as the draft night looms nearer, Wembanyama’s memorable subway adventure and his homage to the legendary Chirac photo have further heightened the excitement. The basketball world eagerly awaits the announcement of his selection during the draft, hoping to witness the birth of the next great NBA superstar.
“Victor Wembanyama’s unique tribute to Jacques Chirac showcases his artistic talent and showcases the lasting impact of Chirac’s legacy. Truly an outstanding reproduction!”