In a league full of iconic nicknames, from “Splash Brothers” to “Lob City”, the San Antonio Spurs may have just stumbled upon their own viral moniker: “French Vanilla.” And center Luke Kornet is loving it.
The nickname, coined by fans online, refers to the towering frontcourt pairing of Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet. Wembanyama brings the “French”, Kornet, the 7-foot veteran, adds the “Vanilla.”
“I’ve got to say, five stars to ‘French Vanilla,’” Kornet said with a grin when asked about the nickname. “That’s pretty good.”
Five stars to French Vanilla 😂👏 pic.twitter.com/7OrnCL5Zvx
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 17, 2025
Originally signed as a backup to Wembanyama, Kornet has impressed Spurs coaches with his ability to complement the young star on the floor. Head coach Mitch Johnson noted,
“There was always an idea of playing Victor with another bigger person last year. We just didn’t have that option a lot of times. We thought Luke would be a good option for that.”
Throughout the preseason, the “French Vanilla” pairing has shown promise, offering rim protection, floor spacing, and a surprising amount of synergy.
The nickname has taken off on social media, with fans posting highlights and memes celebrating the duo’s chemistry. Whether it’s a block party in the paint or a pick-and-pop from the perimeter, “French Vanilla” is quickly becoming a calling card for the Spurs’ new identity. If their early performances are any indication, “French Vanilla” might just be the flavor of the year in San Antonio.
