NBA’s ‘First Frenchman’ Bob Cousy, despite being 96 years old, has continued his association with the basketball world. The Boston Celtics legend has remained sharp and engaged with the current trends in the NBA, especially San Antonio Spurs Big Man Victor Wembanyama. Recently, Cousy showered the 7-foot-4 French center with praise and made a bold prediction about his future.

Emmy Award-nominated producer Dusty Garza, an NBA insider for the San Antonio Spurs, recently reported that Cousy praised Wembanyama. The Celtics legend sent a message to Wemby, admiring his “great” talent.

Bob Cousy, who was born to French immigrant parents and grew up in a French-speaking household, has claimed the Spurs center “will be the next Bill Russell.” According to Garza, Cousy said, “Tell him he will be the next Bill Russell and let him know that the first Frenchman in NBA history (Cousy) is watching him closely and with great attention.”

The former NBA point guard played 13 years for the Celtics, winning six championships, including five consecutive titles. The 1957 NBA MVP led the league in assists eight times and has 13 All-Star and 12 All-NBA selections.

Will Victor Wembanyama Be The Next Bill Russell?

Apart from Cousy, Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West also made a similar comment when he called Victor Wembanyama “a bigger Bill Russell.” During the summer league last year, West said in an interview, “I think when he comes into the league… if you watch him defensively, he ruins games. He reminds me a little bit of a bigger Bill Russell with a big reach coming from everywhere, blindside.”

“So… any offensive player is going to have to really be cautious about where he is because he is going to mess up some offenses, that’s for sure,” he added. Co-incidentally, the Spurs center led the league in blocks last season and registered 10.6 rebounds per game.