basketball

Why Victor Wembanyama trained with monks and how Spurs star used experience to reach next level of NBA stardom

Yahoo Sports

Why Victor Wembanyama trained with monks and how Spurs star used experience to reach next level of NBA stardom originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Victor Wembanyama is already dancing with legends, emerging as one of basketball's most resplendent talents in recent seasons.

It's not particularly surprising that the Paris native got to this point. Blessed with a 7'4 frame, 8-foot wingspan and ballerina-like balance and flexibility, Wembanyama is quite literally the only player in NBA history capable of doing the things he does. The Spurs star still is seeking to take his career to new heights, however.

Across his nascent career, Wembanyama has trained with Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett. He also has shown a passion for running, using the practice to build up his endurance. No tactic has proven more beneficial to Wembanyama than his decision to train with Shaolin monks, however.

In the summer of 2025, the Frenchman made the unconventional decision to head to central China to build himself up. His move has worked a treat so far. Wembanyama became the sport's first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year winner in 2026.

He projects to add more hardware to his collection in the years to come. With that, here's what you need to know about Wembanyama's decision to train alongside Shaolin monks. NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket Why did Victor Wembanyama train with monks?

Continue to the original source for the full article.