Victor Wembanyama, Spurs hold rare practice with students at Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The smallest gesture can have a huge impact.

That was reaffirmed by the San Antonio Spurs when the team held an open and rare practice with the students at Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach on Wednesday morning.

With a transformative roster brimming with young players, Spurs Center and former No.1 NBA draft pick Victor Wembanyama received the loudest ovation as the team took the court for a brief practice at the school.

Students were captivated by the Spurs players and coaches and even got to take pictures with them after practice was over.

Spurs Head Coach Greg Popovich even allowed the school’s varsity basketball team to participate in the last 20 minutes of practice.

Hebrew Academy student Dov Shapiro told Local 10 News that not only seeing the 7-foot-4 “Wemby,” but practicing with him is a moment he and his peers will never forget.

“It felt like he was an alien,” he said. “From a community standpoint, it’s really big for Miami Beach and for Jewish people in Miami Beach to practice at Hebrew Academy.”

“I’d like to thank Coach Pop (Popovich) and my coach, Coach H, for making it happen,” Shapiro added.

The Miami Heat will host the Spurs on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.