(UPDATE) SAN ANTONIO: Victor Wembanyama's whirlwind ride as the NBA's most anticipated No. 1 draft pick since LeBron James has landed him right where he needs to be, the French phenomenon said Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in San Antonio.

The towering 19-year-old, hailed as a transformative talent thanks to the skills he packs in his 7ft 4in (2.24m) frame, was eagerly looking ahead to developing his game under the guidance of coaching great Gregg Popovich, with Spurs greats including Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Manu Ginobili to call on for advice.