NBA – Back from China, Wembanyama Shares His Wild Experience with Monks!

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

Everyone knows Victor Wembanyama is a perfectionist, but no one expected him to head to a Buddhist monastery in China. The Spurs’ rising star used his offseason to undergo a unique spiritual retreat, aimed at strengthening both his body and mind before the upcoming season.

Wembanyama’s preparation in China was far from a traditional NBA workout, intriguing and impressing many. He spent recent weeks living among monks, fully immersing himself in a different experience to push his physical boundaries. On Saturday, he spoke publicly about this unusual training method.

The young big man, set to return for Spurs training camp in September, deliberately chose to test his body in new ways. Through daily kung fu practice and a strict vegan diet, Wembanyama worked on his mobility—an area he’d identified as a priority after his rookie season. The experience, he said, helped him build strength and flexibility.

Wembanyama opens up about his journey

Wembanyama : “It was a great experience. My goal going there was to put my body through things it’s not used to, to improve mobility and strength. It was probably as different as it could be from anything I know. […] Kung fu. Every day. It was like a vegan temple, a monastery… I was isolated.”
He also admitted occasionally sneaking out to eat some meat in order to maintain his weight, now up to 245 lbs (111 kg). “I’m pretty sure I’m Buddhist now,” he joked.

Beyond the physical benefits, Wembanyama’s mindset also seems transformed. One of the first things the monks asked him to do? Shave his head—a request he accepted without hesitation. His new look caused a stir on social media, but it mostly reflected his deep commitment to the process. Now more than ever, the French phenom is approaching his third NBA season with both discipline and clarity.

His return to Texas will be closely watched, as this transformation could directly impact the Spurs’ ambitions for the 2025–26 season. With the franchise exploring ways to build around him—possibly via a superstar trade or drafting Dylan Harper—Wembanyama already looks ready for the next step. This sharper, more focused version of him might change everything.

San Antonio is heavily invested in his progression, and this kind of initiative only strengthens his image as a unique player fully embracing his role as a franchise cornerstone. While games are still weeks away, fans can be reassured: Wembanyama is leaving nothing to chance—even thousands of miles away from the NBA hardwood.