Victor Wembanyama Reportedly Thinks 'Unconventional' Training Plan 'Did Him Some Good'
Having been cleared to resume basketball activities after being diagnosed with a blood clot in February, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been preparing for next season in unique ways.
Per ESPN's Michael C. Wright, Wembanyama recently spent time in China and Japan going through "unconventional" training methods to ready his body for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Wright added that Wembanyama has a "thirst for pushing boundaries physically and mentally" and he came away from the training believing it "did him some good."
Among the training Wembanyama undertook was studying Kung fu in order to improve his physical strength and range of motion.
During an appearance on The Shop Live at Fanatics Fest on June 21, Wembanyama spoke about his Kung fu training and spending time in a Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, China
“Kung fu. Every day. It was like a vegan temple, monastery. … I was isolated. It was a great 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.”
Wembanyama announced on Monday he has been cleared for basketball activities. The Spurs were originally projecting him to be cleared for the start of training camp in September.
A healthy Wembanyama with improved strength and range of motion is bad news for the rest of the NBA. The 21-year-old averaged 24.3 points on 47.6 percent shooting, 11.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game in 46 starts last season.
Despite not playing in the final 30 games of the 2024-25 season, Wembanyama still finished with 28 more blocks (176) than anyone else in the NBA (Brook Lopez: 148).
The Spurs have one of the most promising young trios on their team. Wembanyama is already an established star. Stephon Castle just won Rookie of the Year after averaging 14.7 points and 4.1 assists in 81 appearances.
Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft, is off to a promising start in Summer League with 16.0 points per game in two starts.
Even though that core is still very young, Wembanyama has already proven he is capable of doing anything against anyone in the NBA. The Spurs could emerge as a playoff team in a deep Western Conference this season if he stays healthy and takes another step to becoming an MVP candidate.
