Over the past weekend, San Antonio Spurs’ young star, Victor Wembanyama, travelled to China and visited a Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou. The visit has attracted the rapt attention of global NBA fandom. According to reports, the French phenom is embracing Buddhist culture.
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Wemby, reportedly, asked a Shaolin master monk to shave his head and begin a 10-day retreat rooted in mind-body harmony, self-discipline, and meditation. Although it is yet to be confirmed officially, it seems that Wemby has turned to Buddhism for realignment and restoration after a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder ended his 2024-2025 season.
Former NBA stars have lauded the young player’s attempt to find balance. One of them even cited the journeys of legends of the game who had also adopted similar pursuits in their careers
Dusty Garza, a beat writer for the Texas-based franchise, posted several photos of Wemby donning his new look whilst reflecting at the temple, soaking up centuries-old traditions.
“Victor Wembanyama [is] beginning his journey of inner discipline, focus, and mind-body harmony at the Shaolin Temple. One of my close friends, a Buddhist monk and longtime Spurs fan, shared that the ‘Summer Retreat’ tradition ties back to the ancient Buddhist practice of Vassa — a time when monks stay in one place during the rainy season to meditate and deepen their studies,” Garza posted on X.
Former NBA stars Stephen Jackson and Vernon Maxwell reacted to Wemby’s attempt to transform on All The Smoke. Jackson, a devout Muslim, saluted the spiritual pivot.
“With me being a Muslim, I know what tapping in looks like, and he’s just tapping in his inner self,” Jackson said. “These types of things are important … when you’re a humble person, you want to continue to find yourself and continue to grow … To whom much is given, much is required,” said Jackson.
Maxwell chimed in. “I’ve seen Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, I’ve seen [Hakeem] Olajuwon fasting. Just tapping into his inner self, I think it’s good,” he said.
“I think it’s a blessing for him just to be that young and want to tap into something on a spiritual side like that. I think it’s only going to make him a better player and a better person than he already is, man, so kudos to him,” added Maxwell.
The Rockets legend referenced NBA greats who fused spirituality with dominance and praised Wemby for embracing that tradition. He recognized how faith and ritual elevate a player’s poise and purpose.
Olajuwon was known to diligently keep his fasts during the month of Ramadan. That was quite a task since the month of fasting usually coincided with the end of the regular season. However, the fasts energized him more than drained him physically.
In 2017, he told The Undefeated, “Fasting … is a spiritual mindset that gives you the stamina required to play. Through Allah’s mercy, I always felt stronger and more energetic during Ramadan.”
They didn’t separate excellence from inner life — they combined them. Wemby looks ready to do the same.
Doctors shut down Wembanyama’s 2024-2025 campaign due to DVT in his shoulder. And the news was devastating to fans. The Spurs had looked really good till that point, and were favorites to land a sneaky playoff spot via the play-in.
That health scare forced him to step away from the gym and reset his habits. Wemby didn’t rush rehab — he rebalanced instead. By turning to Zhengzhou and Shaolin’s discipline, Wemby redefined offseason prep and elevated the conversation around player wellness.
Wembanyama might ignite a league-wide shift. Kareem chased peace. Hakeem embraced fasting. Now, Wemby embraces Shaolin philosophy.
Chinese media now call him ‘The Monk in the Paint’. The Spurs’ social media accounts reposted the temple photos with quiet pride. This moment feels less like branding and more like a blueprint. Wemby is not just healing — he is leading.
