SAN ANTONIO (AFP) — Victor Wembanyama's whirlwind ride as the National Basketball Association's most anticipated No. 1 draft pick since LeBron James has landed him right where he needs to be, the French phenomenon said Saturday in San Antonio.

The towering 19-year-old, hailed as a transformative talent thanks to the skills he packs in his 7-foot-4 frame, was eagerly looking ahead to developing his game under the guidance of coaching great Gregg Popovich, with Spurs greats including Tim Duncan, David Robinson and Manu Ginobili to call on for advice.

His rock-star style welcome from fans at San Antonio's airport on Friday was followed by an eye-opening dinner with Duncan, Robinson and Ginobili.

"In probably a couple hours I learned more about the NBA than my whole life before," he said.

"It's super-reassuring to know that these guys still live in San Antonio, they still gravitate towards the club, they've kept a relationship with the franchise."

"It's comforting to know that there are legends, not only of the club but also of the NBA, who are there to help me and who won't let me make the same mistakes twice.

"For a rookie, that's a huge advantage."

The Spurs, who won the most recent of their five NBA titles in 2014, also boast a French connection, with both Tony Parker and Boris Diaw featuring on championship San Antonio teams — Parker on three of them.

"It's just an asset, because I have good relations with those French people who have made history, and I can go to them if I need to," Wembanyama said.

Fans anticipating Wembanyama's arrival ever since the Spurs gained the top pick in the draft will be thrilled to know that he can already envision living in the Texas city "for a long time."

"I feel I belong here," he said.

"Since I arrived, I've seen nothing but grateful people, so it's easy to acclimatize when you're already appreciated."