I still remember the Monday it happened—the day Victor Wembanyama heard his name called first in the 2023 NBA Draft. The atmosphere was electric, almost surreal. As someone who’s followed the draft process for over a decade, I’ve come to realize that becoming the number one pick isn’t just about talent; it’s about a perfect storm of skill, timing, mindset, and a little bit of luck. Let’s talk about what it really takes to stand at the pinnacle of basketball’s most anticipated night.

First off, raw ability is non-negotiable. Scouts and general managers aren’t just looking for good players—they’re searching for generational talent. Take Wembanyama, for example. At 7’4” with a wingspan stretching nearly 8 feet, his physical tools are off the charts. But here’s the thing: physical attributes alone won’t cut it. I’ve seen incredibly athletic prospects flame out because they lacked the basketball IQ or the work ethic to match. The top pick almost always combines elite physical traits with an understanding of the game that’s years ahead of their peers. They see plays develop before they happen, and their decision-making under pressure is what separates them from the pack. In my view, that basketball intelligence is something you can’t teach; it’s either there or it isn’t.

Then there’s the mental side of things. The pressure that comes with being the potential first pick is immense—media scrutiny, endless interviews, and the weight of expectations from fans and franchises. I remember speaking with a scout who told me that they spend as much time evaluating a player’s mental toughness as they do their jump shot. How does a prospect handle adversity? Are they coachable? Do they have that killer instinct when the game is on the line? These aren’t just abstract questions; they’re make-or-break factors. Personally, I believe mental resilience is what turns a great college player into an NBA superstar. Look at LeBron James back in 2003—his poise as an 18-year-old was almost unnerving, and it’s no surprise he’s dominated the league for two decades.

Let’s not forget about timing and situation. Sometimes, being the best player isn’t enough; you also need to be the right fit for the team holding that first pick. Franchises are making multi-million dollar investments, and they’re looking at everything from roster needs to marketability. For instance, in 2022, Paolo Banchero went first to the Orlando Magic partly because his versatile scoring filled a gap they desperately needed to address. If you look at the data—and I’m pulling from memory here—roughly 65% of first overall picks in the last 20 years were selected by teams that finished with a bottom-three record the previous season. That’s not a coincidence. These teams are often rebuilding, and they’re looking for a cornerstone player to build around. It’s a symbiotic relationship: the player gets the opportunity, and the team gets a potential franchise savior.

Another aspect that doesn’t get enough attention is the behind-the-scenes work—the pre-draft training, interviews, and medical evaluations. I’ve had the chance to speak with a few prospects who went through this grind, and they all say the same thing: the process is exhausting. Teams put you through rigorous workouts, analyze your every move on and off the court, and even dig into your personal life. It’s not just about how high you can jump; it’s about how you present yourself as a professional. Are you punctual? Do you interact well with staff? These might seem like small details, but they matter. In fact, I’d argue that a strong pre-draft performance can elevate a player’s stock more than a single great season in college. Take Derrick Rose in 2008—his combination of athletic testing and interview skills sealed the deal for Chicago.

Of course, luck plays its part too. Injuries, draft lotteries, and even changes in team management can sway the decision. Remember the 2017 draft? Markelle Fultz was the consensus first pick, but a shoulder injury and subsequent trade altered his trajectory dramatically. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum, picked third, has arguably had the more successful career so far. It’s a reminder that nothing is guaranteed, no matter how talented you are. From my perspective, the unpredictability is what makes the draft so compelling—and so nerve-wracking for everyone involved.

Wrapping this up, becoming the NBA’s first draft pick is a blend of God-given talent, relentless preparation, mental fortitude, and being in the right place at the right time. It’s not something that happens by accident. As I reflect on that Monday when Wembanyama’s dream came true, I’m reminded that each first pick carries not just the hopes of a franchise, but the culmination of a lifetime of sacrifices. For aspiring players reading this, my advice is simple: work on every part of your game, but don’t neglect the intangibles. Because when that moment comes, you’ll need more than a great stat line—you’ll need the heart to match.