Basketball Star Sends Space‑Shooting Wishes to Lunar Crew

Victor Wembanyama, the rising NBA star from San Antonio, recently joined a NASA livestream that welcomed the Artemis II astronauts heading to orbit the Moon. With a friendly “Hello from Victor,” he shared that his interests stretch beyond basketball to include stars, dark matter, and other cosmic wonders. He wished the astronauts good luck on their historic flight.

Hollywood Cameos

The livestream also featured Hollywood actors Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Gosling, who offered congratulations to the space team. Wembanyama’s presence was a reminder that people from all walks of life can be inspired by space exploration.

NASA Visit Highlights

Last year, Wembanyama visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He talked about the excitement of seeing spacecraft up close and meeting astronauts who have flown—or will soon fly. He recalled speaking with Peggy Whitson, the astronaut who has spent the most time outside a spacecraft. The visit left him feeling like a child discovering new worlds.

2024 Rookie of the Year Ceremony

During media day in September, the 7‑foot‑4 rookie announced that he would receive his 2024 Rookie of the Year award at a planetarium in San Antonio. There he listened to a talk about dark matter, describing it as “very sci‑fi” because we can’t see it but we notice its effects on galaxies. He said that mystery fuels his curiosity about the universe.

The “Alien” Persona

Wembanyama’s nickname, “The Alien,” fits his towering height and fascination with the cosmos. He has spent time learning mindfulness and reflecting on how small we are compared to the vast universe—a theme that aligns with NASA’s goal of helping people see their place in space.

Northern Lights Adventure

After the All‑Star game, he visited Alaska’s Northern Lights, another example of his love for natural and cosmic phenomena. His story shows that sports stars can also be ambassadors for science, encouraging young people to look up and dream big.