Victor Wembanyama isn’t just taking time off this NBA offseason, he’s embarking on a spiritual and physical transformation that has stunned the basketball world. The 7-foot-4 San Antonio Spurs phenom has traveled to China for a 10-day retreat at the legendary Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, embracing the ancient Buddhist tradition of Vassa, a sacred practice of stillness, meditation, and inner cleansing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DKulJF2uoDK
According to reports, Wembanyama is immersing himself in Vassa, the monastic retreat observed by Buddhist monks during the rainy season, intended to deepen meditation, discipline, and spiritual growth.
Images of Wembanyama now bald, cloaked in the traditional monk’s gray robes, have gone viral across Chinese social media platforms. The NBA’s Weibo account confirmed the reports with a powerful caption: “Deepening his spiritual journey!”
As it turns out, Wemby has entered closed-door martial arts training, engaging in Chan meditation, Shaolin Kung Fu, and traditional Chinese healing techniques. According to local temple officials, the Spurs star is deliberately staying out of public view.
This isn’t a gimmick or publicity stunt. It’s part of a deeper mission.
Victor Wembanyama getting in an offseason run. 💪
(via @SpursGDP)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 10, 2025
Wembanyama’s offseason hasn’t been about recovery alone, though that plays a huge part. The French All-Star was shut down in February due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, shortly after a historic campaign and his first All-Star selection.
He was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks per game, unheard-of numbers for a second-year player, and comparable only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76. Despite his season being cut short, Wemby still led the league in blocks and redefined what a modern big man could be.
But this retreat is about more than just healing his body. It’s about refining his mind and soul.
https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:DKiCibbSNOU
While Wemby won’t be ordained – foreign visitors can’t be monks, he’s embracing the full Shaolin experience: early morning meditations, kung fu drills, and long-distance runs through historic terrains, including the Great Wall of China, where the Spurs posted footage of him jogging and soaking in the culture.
It’s the kind of offseason you rarely see from a rising NBA superstar, but it fits Wembanyama’s profile. Off the court, he’s already known for his intellectual curiosity. He plays chess with strangers in Central Park, sketches portraits during his downtime, and even dabbles in philosophy.
His trip to China, including a visit to a Women’s Volleyball Nations League match where his agent’s daughter played for France, continues a pattern of cultural exploration and balance.
This deeply personal journey comes as Wembanyama prepares for a highly anticipated 2025-26 season. With the Spurs expected to build around him and potentially add stars via trade or free agency, Wemby will return not just stronger but more focused than ever.
