From NBA Star to Shaolin Monk: Victor Wembanyama Embarks on Transformative Retreat in China

HONG KONG — NBA star Victor Wembanyama, who typically plays forward-center on the basketball court, has recently taken a fascinating detour on his journey in China. The towering 7-foot-3 player from France has been touring the country and appears to have temporarily embraced the life of a Shaolin monk. Photos shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo suggest that he has commenced a 10-day retreat at the famed Shaolin Temple in central Henan province. According to a post from the NBA’s official Weibo page, Wembanyama is seen with a shaved head and dressed in a gray robe, sitting in front of Buddha statues.

The post encourages his followers to understand that he is “deepening his spiritual journey.” A representative from the Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area confirmed that Wembanyama is engaged in “closed-door martial arts training,” emphasizing that the player prefers to remain out of public sight during this period. Although Wembanyama’s team, the San Antonio Spurs, shared a lighthearted video of him exploring the Great Wall of China just last week, he has chosen not to document his trip to the temple on his own social media. At just 21 years old, Wembanyama’s season was cut short due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, requiring surgery in March. Prior to this, he was enjoying a stellar season, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

The Shaolin Temple retreat has gained popularity among celebrities in recent years, blending meditation, kung fu martial arts, and Zen Buddhist practices. Notable figures like YouTuber IShowSpeed and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal have also visited the temple, highlighting its status as a unique spiritual destination.