Spurs' Victor Wembanyama wants 'to be yelled at'

Victor Wembanyama's otherworldly skills on a basketball court are there for all to see, but his behind-the-scenes demeanor makes him all the more special. 

Over the past year, Wemby's peers have spoken about his willingness to be "coachable" and constantly improve certain facets of his game. Now, we have further proof of his humility and work ethic. 

In an interview with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, the Spurs phenom explained why he had embraced Gregg Popovich's hard-nosed coaching style to the point where he "wants to be yelled at" when he makes a mistake or two during a game. 

"The most important thing to remember to know about him [Popovich] as a player is how he thinks about the human first," Wembanyama said. "He knows sometimes I need to get yelled at, sometimes, when I make the mistakes, the same mistake multiple times in a row. First of all, I need it and I want to be yelled at. I’m not here to waste time. Neither is he."

In the past, Spurs greats such as David Robinson, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have spoken extensively about how Popovich would treat them the same way he'd treat a role player, often yelling at them during or after games for missing a defensive coverage or making mistakes.

As such, it only stands to reason that Wembanyama, projected to be the next Spurs great, would be treated the same way as his predecessors. And Popovich, 75, is determined to help Wemby reach the next level. According to Mannix, Pop has been coaching his young star on not just Xs and Os, but his philosophies outside the court.

Wembanyama's humility and willingness to improve his craft bodes well for the future of the Spurs franchise. The Spurs begin their 2024-25 campaign against the Mavericks next Thursday, Oct. 24.