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- BHP, Vale agree to pay $30bn compensation for Brazil dam disaster
- Verstappen says 'definitely' his intention to remain at Red Bull
- Mbappe can launch Madrid career in first Clasico
- A monumental dump and Obama the rapper: an offbeat US campaign week
- Biden to apologize for abusive Native American boarding schools
- Pressure is part of manager's life, says troubled West Ham boss Lopetegui
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- Seoul slams Russian treaty with N. Korea, Zelensky urges 'tangible pressure'
- De Zerbi hails Greenwood as Marseille await Paris Saint-Germain
- Under-fire Ten Hag blames injuries for derailing Man Utd
- Wounded Arsenal must show 'ruthless mentality' against Liverpool: Arteta
- Howe challenges Newcastle stars to step up
- UK's Labour govt prepares to unveil its first budget
- New Zealand eye history after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Guardiola backs Man City's Foden to emerge from slump
- England reeling at 24-3 after gritty Shakeel century
- Pakistan judicial reforms see next top judge passed over
- Germany promises more visas for Indians during Scholz visit
- Postecoglou says hype will not affect teenage star Moore
- PSG reject league order to pay Mbappe 55 mn euros in back pay
- Olympic champion Zheng finds mojo to reach Tokyo semis
- Gritty Shakeel century gives Pakistan lead over England in third Test
- Tropical storm leaves towns submerged, 76 dead in Philippines
- Ancelotti 'not losing sleep' over improved Barca ahead of Clasico
- New Zealand lead by 301 after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Stock markets diverge in steady end to week
- UK climate strategy ruled lawful in landmark court case
- Lebanon says Israeli strike that killed media workers a 'war crime'
- Slot targets Arsenal scalp after flying start for Liverpool
- Shakeel's gritty century lifts Pakistan to parity in third Test
- Uganda court sentences former LRA commander to 40 years
- Marc Marquez clocks lap record to go fastest in Thai MotoGP practice
- Smog in Pakistan megacity ends outdoor play for schoolkids
- New Zealand on top after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel killed its leader
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel's killed its leader
- Lebanon minister says Israel strike puts second Syria crossing out of service
- Ahmed triple strike leaves Pakistan 187-7 in third Test
- Lebanon says Israeli strike killed 3 media workers
- Asia markets diverge after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Tunisian freediver Walid Boudhiaf eyes records and developing the sport
- Schauffele makes up ground in Japan after opening-day nightmare
- Santner takes seven as New Zealand bowl out India for 156
- Lebanon says Israeli strike kills 3 journalists
- Beyonce v Joe Rogan: stars power up US election
- Locals fume as Lisbon's historic trams become tourist 'toy'
- India 107-7 after Santner takes four wickets for New Zealand
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Victor Wembanyama of France named NBA Rookie of the Year
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama won the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year award, the league announced on Monday, marking the first time a Frenchman has captured the honor.
The 20-year-old center, a 7-foot-4 (2.24m) prodigy who was the top pick in last year's NBA Draft, averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, a league-high 3.6 blocked shots and 1.2 steals a game in his impressive debut campaign.
Wembanyama was a unanimous selection, taking all 99 first-place votes, the first unanimous top rookie pick since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016.
"My goals were always to have my team as best as I could and to get better as the year went on," Wembanyama told US NBA telecaster TNT.
"I knew that in order to do this I had to be individually good on the court and dominant so it was a hiuge thing for me, a big thing to get.
"It has always been really important and I'm glad it's finally official."
Chet Holmgren, a center for Western Conference champion Oklahoma City, was second and Charlotte's Brandon Miller third in the voting.
- Dazzling debut season -
While the Spurs struggled to a 22-60 record, second-worst in the Western Conference, "Wemby" became an NBA sensation with amazing feats, living up to his advance billing as a once-in-a-generation talent.
With 38 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a November victory over Phoenix, a then-19 Wembanyama joined LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only NBA teens with 35 points, 10 boards and two blocks in a game.
After achieving his first NBA triple double in a January triumph over Detroit, Wembanyama posted his second triple double with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in a February win over Toronto -- the first with 20 points and 10 blocks in less than 30 minutes played and the first NBA player with blocks in a triple double since 2021.
Wembanyama also became the youngest player in NBA history to record a statistical "five-by-five" and did so in 30 minutes, the fastest ever, with 27 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and five blocked shots in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wembanyama joined prior Spurs star big men Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the only NBA players with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game when he posted 31 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, six blocks and a steal in a March win over Indiana.
In late March, "Wemby" had a career-high 40 points with 20 rebounds in a victory over New York.
Wembanyama, also a finalist for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, next figures to be selected for France's Olympic team as the squad plays host to the world's best in the Paris Olympics.
The grandson of basketball players and son of a track and field athlete father and basketball player and coach mother, Wembanyama had been a goalkeeper before dropping football for basketball as his stature grew.
He became a star in the French league and attracted attention from NBA scouts eager to watch his development. By the time of the 2023 NBA Draft, there was no doubt he would be the top selection, joining a Spurs squad where French guard Tony Parker had become an NBA legend.
S.F.Warren--AMWN