San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama spent ten days this summer at a Shaolin temple in Dengfeng, China, engaging in a demanding regimen that tested his body in new ways. Known for his towering height of 7-foot-3, Wembanyama encountered challenges maintaining the appropriate nutrition for a professional athlete while living in a strictly vegan monastery.
The Shaolin temple provided mostly plant-based meals such as zucchini and rice noodles, which proved insufficient for the physical demands of Wembanyama’s training. To preserve his muscle mass and overall bulk, he admitted that he occasionally slipped away to eat meat discreetly, balancing the temple’s restrictions with his athletic requirements.
Physical Gains and New Skills Gained During the Stay
Wembanyama’s unconventional diet during the temple stay did not hinder his progress; he revealed in a public discussion at Fanatics Fest in New York City that his weight reached 245 pounds after the trip. He described the experience as a unique way to test his body’s limits and improve his range of motion and strength.
“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.”
—Victor Wembanyama, NBA Center
Along with physical development, Wembanyama adopted new skills, practicing kung fu daily during his stay. He also returned to the United States with a shaved head and a deepened respect for the martial art and the discipline it requires.
Reflections on Gregg Popovich’s Departure and Team Dynamics
Wembanyama’s visit to China coincided with a major change for the San Antonio Spurs, as legendary coach Gregg Popovich announced his resignation from coaching duties, though he remains president of basketball operations. At Fanatics Fest, Wembanyama spoke openly about the impact of Popovich’s departure on the team and himself.
He expressed the close bond shared between teammates and Popovich, recognizing the coach’s dedication and influence, calling the moment both sad and surprising.
“He keeps inspiring us. Because the way he works, he works harder than most athletes in the world.”
—Victor Wembanyama, NBA Center
Implications for Wembanyama’s Career and Future Prospects
Victor Wembanyama’s commitment to incorporating Shaolin temple training into his regimen highlights his openness to unconventional methods aimed at elevating his performance. Balancing the physical and mental discipline acquired at the temple with his professional basketball career demonstrates his dedication to growth.
The experience is likely to enhance his agility and strength, key factors that could set him apart in the NBA. As he continues to develop under the mentorship of the Spurs organization—now in a new phase post-Popovich—Wembanyama’s diet and training at the Shaolin temple serve as a unique chapter in his evolving journey as an elite athlete.