The story, as Buford tells it, goes like this: Claudio Crippa, an international scout for the Spurs, proposed going to see a youth game before checking out Doumbouya. Buford saw Wembanyama play for the first time that day. And the seeds for the Spurs’ new master plan were immediately planted.

"It's very possible that he'll be the face of basketball. Not just NBA basketball, but world basketball," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama called out NBA referees for what he sees as a lack of calls and respect following their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The San Antonio Spurs are enduring a tough stretch this NBA season,