On an ordinary Tuesday at Central Park West and Columbus Circle, the atmosphere was alive with the hustle and bustle of vendors selling their wares. People lined up for hot dogs, coffee, and overpriced bottled water, while a gentle breeze whispered through the sycamore branches overhead. Amongst the activity, a black Mercedes van made its way through the crowded streets, navigating past buses, police vehicles, and an array of colorful bicycle cabs adorned with flowers.
Two intrigued teenagers stood by, their eyes fixed on the unfolding scene before them. With dark sunglasses, black shorts, and a white T-shirt, a lanky young man emerged from the van, towering over seven feet tall. In awe, one of the teenagers exclaimed, “Oh my god! It’s Victor Wembanyama!”
Wembanyama, the highly anticipated prospect for this year’s NBA draft, was set to be selected as the top pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He had arrived in New York for the draft and planned to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Yankee Stadium later that evening. But before that, he had an unusual desire – to experience the New York City subway for the very first time.
As Wembanyama made his way through the subway station, a police officer shouted a warning to watch his head as he ducked beneath a low-hanging pipe. “I’m used to it,” Wembanyama replied nonchalantly. Being over 7-foot tall, he had become accustomed to such challenges during his time in France, where he played professional basketball for Metropolitans 92.
Earlier that day, Wembanyama had visited the offices of the NBA players’ union and was now catching a Bronx-bound D train at Columbus Circle. Accompanied by his teammate Bilal Coulibaly, his agents, and communications manager, Wembanyama attracted attention from an extensive entourage consisting of his family, police officers, NBA security personnel, and even journalists from French news media outlets and The New York Times.
As the group squeezed into the crowded subway car, other passengers like Harry Cisse, on his way to a friend’s graduation, sighed at the lack of space. The woman’s announcement, “WELCOME TO NEW YORK!” echoed through the train as it started moving. She added with curiosity as Wembanyama stood in the center of the car, his towering presence evident, “HOW TALL IS HE?”
Sebastian Cardona, another passenger on the train, immediately shared the experience with his friends via FaceTime, unable to contain his excitement at being in the presence of such a renowned figure. Cardona, also on his way to the Yankees game, never expected to have a chance encounter with Wembanyama on the subway. He yelled, “Rookie of the year!” and attempted to take a photo with Wembanyama.
Further down the carriage, a woman shouted in French, desperately trying to capture Wembanyama’s attention. He obliged, posing for her photos with a smile. Aladji Sacko, a Frenchman now living in New York, was also thrilled to see Wembanyama up close, remarking, “I’ve only seen him on TV,” as he eagerly sought a photo opportunity.
After a few stops, Wembanyama managed to secure a seat. Like any regular person, he spent the majority of the ride browsing his phone and engaging in conversation with his companions. He even granted a short interview to the NBA’s entertainment group, expressing his desire to explore more of the city. Following Thursday night’s draft, Wembanyama was scheduled to be whisked away to San Antonio.
It took four stops on the D train, but finally, Wembanyama and his entourage disembarked, ascending the yellow-tiled stairwell into the Bronx. Passersby in cars and on bicycles couldn’t resist calling out to him, with one person shouting, “Go Spurs!” Wembanyama smiled, acknowledging the cheer.
Arriving at Yankee Stadium, fans waiting in line excitedly pulled out their cellphones to record Wembanyama as he walked by, their chatter focused on the upcoming NBA draft. Inside the stadium, Wembanyama spent some time in the dugout with Yankees catcher Jose Trevino, possibly seeking advice for his impending first pitch. With his oversized hands, he fiddled with a baseball that seemed minuscule in comparison. Later, he stepped out of the dugout to sign autographs and pose for pictures with ecstatic children.
Still, there was a fair amount of time before Wembanyama’s pitch. As he approached the mound, clapping in anticipation, the crowd, still filling in, erupted in cheers to welcome him. Wembanyama wound up and threw the pitch, but it sailed wide, too far outside for Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt, stationed behind home plate, to catch it. Wembanyama shrugged and then burst into laughter.
Overall, the day had been filled with unexpected subway rides, encounters with awe-struck fans, and the anticipation of what lay ahead for Wembanyama’s basketball career. As he left the field, the spotlight still shining brightly upon him, he carried with him the memories of the unique experience only New York could offer.
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