NBA insider reveals real reason behind Victor Wembanyama's China trip for monk training
Victor Wembanyama made an unexpected turn this summer. The 21-year-old San Antonio Spurs star visited China rather than staying in France or working out with
NBA
coaches Stateside. Images came to light showing him working with Shaolin monks.
Fans wondered about the reason, but the actual story behind this unexpected move is now coming to light and it speaks much about Wembanyama's mental attitude.
Victor Wembanyama takes intense kung fu path in China to rebuild body and mind
Victor Wembanyama did something unexpected this summer. Instead of training in the U.S. or France, he flew to China. Fans were surprised. Why was the NBA star at a Shaolin temple? What was he doing there?
(Image Source: X)
The 21-year-old didn't follow the usual path. Most NBA players work out in gyms.
They train with coaches. But Wembanyama went somewhere different. He chose a temple known for kung fu, not basketball.
He spent part of his offseason there. The place is old and full of history. It's where monks train their minds and bodies. It's not where you'd expect to find a 7-foot-4 athlete.
According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN, Wembanyama stayed at the Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou. He was there for 10 days in early July 2025.
The temple is in Henan Province, China. It's world-famous for training monks in kung fu and mental discipline.
Victor Wembanyama chose Shaolin monks over regular trainers
Sources told Michael C. Wright of ESPN that Victor Wembanyama made the trip to challenge both his body and mind. 'He wanted something different,' Wright reported. 'It wasn't about shooting drills or weights. It was about control, focus, and learning how to move better.'
Wembanyama used this time to study kung fu and body movement techniques.
He worked on mental focus and learned how to position his body in new ways that may help his performance on the basketball court. According to Wright, this style of training could help him improve his flexibility and balance, skills that are beneficial for a big man in the NBA.
'He's always pushing himself,' said one team staff member who spoke anonymously. 'He doesn't think like other players.'
The French star is also coming off a serious medical condition.
In March 2025, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Now, he's been cleared to return to full training and plans to apply what he learned in China to his game.
Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks in his second season, even though he only played 46 games. His efforts in China demonstrate his commitment to reaching his full potential.
Also Read:
NBA Summer League gets Kelly Bowman Flagg's mom-approved moment as Cooper Flagg reconnects with Kon Knuep
The trip to China wasn't made public at first. It was only after he returned that fans discovered his unusual training method. Now, it's clear that Wembanyama is chasing something much deeper than just basketball.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
40 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘OnlyFans model ruined…': Shannon Sharpe's rape lawsuit, ESPN decision costs him millions
Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN, The Associated Press reported on Wednesday, citing sources. This comes days after the Hall of Famer tight end-turned-broadcaster settled a lawsuit that accused him of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. Neither the channel nor Sharpe have commented on the reported decision. Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN weeks after settling his rape lawsuit(Instagram) About two weeks ago, the accuser's attorney announced that Sharpe has reached a settlement. However, specifics were not released. The lawsuit had sought $50 million. Read More: Why was Gilbert Arenas arrested? Gambling charges against the ex-NBA star explained Sharpe called the accusations 'false and disruptive' at the time they were levied and hoped to return in time for the NFL season. 'An OnlyFans model…' Several NFL fans reacted to Shannon Sharpe and ESPN parting ways. 'Shannon Sharpe's accuser retired from OnlyFans after agreeing to a settlement less than 2 weeks ago. Now he's retired too 😭' one person wrote on X, platform formerly known as Twitter. 'Shannon Sharpe really fumbled that ESPN bag over some mid,' another one tweeted. Read More: Austin Slater contract details: How much will Yankees pay White Sox OF amid Aaron Judge's absence? 'hannon Sharpe really fumbled the ESPN bag all for an OF girl. Sheesh,' a third one said. The accuser has not been officially identified yet. Sharpe, a four-time All-Pro tight end who won three Super Bowls during his 14-year career, had signed a reported multi-year contract with ESPN last year. It was reported to be worth millions. The 57-year-old retired as the NFL's all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (815), yards receiving (10,060) and touchdowns (62). Those records have been broken. Sharpe has been a staple on TV and social media since retiring. He left FS1's sports debate show 'Undisputed' in 2023 and joined ESPN soon afterward. He served as a panelist on the network's morning show 'First Take.'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Deni Avdija puts NBA on hold to proudly represent Israel, calls national duty his greatest honor
of the Portland Trail Blazers is becoming well-known for his steadfast loyalty to his own country in addition to his outstanding career. The 23-year-old rising star is holding off on his NBA career until this summer so that he can devote all his attention to playing for Israel at the international level. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Recently, he discussed how the Washington Wizards traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers and how the whole thing disappointed him. He also stated that he would be willing to enlighten Americans and teach them about Israel. Deni Avdija prioritizes national pride and unity over NBA offseason pursuits When many of his NBA contemporaries are using their offseasons to work on personal growth or earn money from endorsement deals, Deni Avdija has stated that his passion is elsewhere. He is prepared to carry over his breakthrough season to assist Israel's young national team in making the transition to the senior squad. In a crucial summer of European competition, he is rejoining old friends and former youth teammates to play for Israel's national team. He recently told the reporters during the same interview: 'I am not currently thinking about the NBA. Playing for the national team of Israel is the most important honor for any player.' He continued: 'Joining players I grew up with from the junior national teams is exciting. We have an amazing squad here, capable of great things. I will do everything possible to make this team successful,' he told reporters. Then, while addressing the issues in Israel, Deni Avdija said: 'Not everyone understands 100 % what is happening in Israel. We're a very small country, and there are people who live in bubbles in their countries. Many are interested, and I always explain the whole situation properly, from the right and good side. I try to show reality as much as possible.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Deni Avdija is a remarkable player (Image via Getty Images) Early in his NBA career, Deni Avdija was mostly an infrequent starter. In 2020, he was selected by the with the ninth overall pick. He has averaged nearly 15 points this season after recovering from a dry period to start the season. Beyond the court, his loyalty to the Israeli team is about standing for the pride in the country, identity, and unity. Also read:
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Shannon Sharpe out at ESPN following $50 million rape lawsuit settlement- here's what he plans to do next
ESPN has parted ways with Shannon Sharpe , a Pro Football Hall of Famer, following a civil rape lawsuit that rocked the network and sports media world. Sharpe denied the allegations, but the controversy grew too large to ignore. His departure comes after a private settlement and several weeks of public scrutiny. Days after he settled a shocking $50 million lawsuit accusing him of rape, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported Wednesday that the Worldwide Leader had broken off his relationship with the Pro Football Hall of Famer, as per a report by the NY Post. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Sharpe, 57, had been a high-profile addition to ESPN in the fall of 2023, leaving FS1's Undisputed alongside Skip Bayless for a fresh start. His sharp takes, charisma, and on-screen chemistry with Stephen A. Smith quickly made waves among fans. How did the lawsuit unfold? But things took a dramatic turn in April 2025 when a civil lawsuit surfaced accusing the Hall of Fame tight end of sexual assault, battery, and coercion. Live Events The plaintiff, who was named in the complaint as Jane Doe, claimed that Sharpe had repeatedly sexually assaulted her in late 2024 and early 2025. Intimate details of the relationship were revealed during an ugly back-and-forth between Sharpe and the accuser and her lawyer, during which he denied "all allegations of coercion or misconduct" in a statement issued through his legal counsel. According to Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, the statement from his legal team contained explicit messages that the accuser had sent him. "This was a consensual, adult relationship that involved role-playing, sexual language, and fantasy scenarios, as the evidence clearly shows," Davis said. ALSO READ: Kamala Harris confirms she won't run for California Governor in 2026, eyes new national role- here's what she plans to do instead In the wake of the accusations, Sharpe left ESPN. "At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me," Sharpe stated in April. What led to Sharpe's fallout with ESPN? Though Sharpe initially announced a temporary leave of absence, ESPN confirmed this week that his exit is permanent. According to reporting by The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, the network and Sharpe have quietly severed ties, closing the door on his brief but headline-making tenure. 'This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away,' ESPN said in a statement when the allegations first broke. What's next for Shannon Sharpe? Though he's now off ESPN's payroll, Sharpe is far from vanishing. He continues to host Club Shay Shay, his viral interview podcast, and co-hosts Nightcap with Chad Ochocinco. Still, his sudden departure from television's biggest sports network raises questions about his future in mainstream sports media. FAQs Did Shannon Sharpe voluntarily leave ESPN? Sharpe initially took a temporary leave of absence, but his departure is now permanent. What exactly were the allegations in the lawsuit? Sharpe was charged with sexual assault and battery in a civil suit, which he settled.
