San Antonio Spurs rising star Victor Wembanyama spent ten days at a Shaolin temple in Dengfeng, China, over the summer, immersing himself in the monks’ lifestyle. Despite his commitment to the rigorous training regimen and spiritual experiences, Wembanyama struggled to adhere to the temple’s strictly vegan diet. He candidly shared with Kevin Hart during a live session of “Cold as Balls” that he occasionally ventured out to enjoy meat, which contributed to him gaining weight. After returning from China, he reported that he now weighs 245 pounds, a significant achievement for the 7-foot-3 center.
Wembanyama described his time at the Shaolin temple as a transformative experience. “My goal going there was putting my body through things that it’s not used to doing and allowing my range of movement and strength. This was probably as very different as possible from what I’m used to doing,” he reflected. The visit not only gave him a new appreciation for kung fu, which he practiced daily, but also resulted in a notable physical transformation, as evidenced by his shaved head upon his return.
In addition to his personal journey, Wembanyama addressed the recent decision of legendary coach Gregg Popovich to step down from his long-held coaching role, although he remains with the organization as president of basketball operations. Wembanyama expressed sadness over the announcement, emphasizing the strong bond formed between Popovich and the players. “We were all really close. It’s always sad and shocking when something like this happens. What’s incredible with him is that he keeps giving hope being the person that he is,” he noted, praising Popovich’s work ethic and his ability to inspire both players and fans alike.
This summer journey and Wembanyama’s reflections on Popovich signal not only a period of personal growth for the young athlete but also a new chapter for the Spurs amidst leadership changes. With his commitment to physical and mental development, Wembanyama is poised for a promising season ahead.