Victor Wembanyama plans to play for France in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. But Wembanyama has a loftier goal than simply playing in the Olympics.

"You know the Olympics are in Paris in 2024," Wembanyama told a French journalist. "And there could be no more perfect occasion for me to win my first title with the French national team."

"My goal," Wembanyama added, "is to beat Team USA in the final."

Before then, Wembanyama will complete his rookie season in the NBA. The 7-foot-4 big man will likely do so as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, who landed the first overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Despite some optimism from head coach Brian Goorjian, Team Australia's preliminary roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup does not include Ben Simmons. Goorjian had previously said that he hoped that Simmons would make himself available to play in the tournament.

Australia could still add the Brooklyn Nets forward to the roster ahead of the World Cup. The competition begins on August 25.

Team Australia did include 10 NBA players on their 18-man preliminary roster. NBA players named to the team are Xavier Cooks (Washington Wizards), Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans), Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings), Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks), Joe Ingles (Milwaukee Bucks), Jock Landale (Phoenix Suns), Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets), Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers), Jack White (Denver Nuggets).

Former NBAers Dante Exum, Thon Maker and Will McDowell-White are also on the preliminary roster.

It's been a while since Ben Simmons has suited up for the Australian National Team, but that could change as soon as this summer. Australia's head coach Brian Goorjian said he thinks Simmons may play for the national side at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

“I think Ben’s mindset is getting healthy, getting in shape, and getting ready to play. And I think he has been along that line for a while and I felt it last time. As we sit now, there is a really strong chance that he plays," Goorjian said.

Goorjian said that Simmons missing the Tokyo Olympics was disappointing, but that Brooklyn Nets forward is close to playing for Australia again.

“There were unfortunate circumstances he missed the Tokyo Olympics, but I feel like he is going to make himself available," Goorjian said about Simmons.

Paolo Banchero has said that when he suits up for a national team, he'll play for Italy. Unfortunately, that debut for the Italian National Team may be delayed for a while longer.

Banchero is unlikely to play for Italy at this summer's FIBA World Cup, according to federation president Gianni Petrucci.

“We are currently on stand-by, and if I’m being honest, I feel more pessimistic than optimistic. Banchero has been overwhelmed by events in recent months," Petrucci said. "If he won’t be with us for the World Cup, we now hope for the Paris Olympics.”