Sports collectibles are catching fire in San Antonio, as Spurs enthusiasts gear up for two new Victor Wembanyama collectibles – one officially licensed and one distinctly local. According to KENS 5, the French phenom will be immortalized as Funko Pop! figure No. 174. Clad in the Spurs' black team jersey, this figure is slated to join the ranks of past Spurs legends, each captured in plastic glory. Though some fans argue, the 7-foot-5 rookie deserves a 'supersized' figure to honor his towering stature, the standard-sized version will have to do for now, with a release date still under wraps.
Straying from convention, Evan Henson, a San Antonio communications specialist, has crafted a custom Wembanyama action figure that's all the rave with fans. Wearing a Fiesta-striped jersey and equipped with his own breakfast taco accessory, this custom piece screams San Antonio spirit. "Those colors pop. I just thought it was going to be something that would really be San Antonio," Henson shared with Express News, having morphed his pandemic pastime into a local phenomenon. Henson's lineup has already featured Spurs giants including coach Gregg Popovich, the iconic Tim Duncan, and even the team mascot – each receiving a one-of-a-kind figure treatment.
Fans are keen on snagging these unique additions to their collectible roster. For the official Funko Pop! version, Spurs followers will need to keep their eyes peeled for the release to snatch them from the shelves. Over at Funko, while anticipation for the official figure unfolds, Henson's work serves a homegrown alternative, offering fans a more personalized slice of fanfare infused with local flavor.
Local artisans like Henson are meeting fan demand with unique action figures, offering more than just Funko for fans of basketball prodigy Wembanyama. Henson's work shows that unofficial merchandise can capture fandom's heart and soul, as seen with the recognizable Spurs jersey and Wembanyama's figure representing San Antonio's love for breakfast tacos. Both official and custom figures are a hit with Spurs fans eager to show support for the rising French NBA star.
