San Antonio Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama is navigating uncharted territory in the NBA, relying on a unique combination of size and skill with no established blueprint to follow. At 7-foot-4, the 22-year-old reigning Defensive Player of the Year is currently starting his fourth NBA season and opening up about his training regimen, his mindset, and his journey in professional basketball.
Navigating Uncharted Territory on the Court
As a player with extraordinary height and basketball capabilities, Wembanyama embraces the uncertainty of forging his own path. "I think the key is being comfortable not knowing, being comfortable finding out my own answers," he said, adding, "I am comfortable not knowing my answers. I am comfortable walking through the fog."
He recalled experiencing a moment when the fog cleared last season during a February winning streak where the San Antonio Spurs did not lose a single game. The team continued its strong momentum into the spring, eventually defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals.
Facing Adversity and the NBA Finals
Despite entering the Finals as favorites, San Antonio suffered a 4–1 series loss to the New York Knicks. Wembanyama admitted he was far from his best during the matchup and faced being portrayed as a villain, though he noted it did not bother him.
"It showed my limits more than anything else," he said. "Going out there, you need to play basketball. You don't need to beat the s**t out of people — if you want to win, at least."
Key Facts About Victor Wembanyama
- Age and Height: 22 years old and 7-foot-4.
- Accolades: Reigning Defensive Player of the Year starting his fourth NBA season.
- Franchise History: Drafted in 2023 out of France, moving to the San Antonio Spurs.
- Coaching Legacy: Played under Gregg Popovich, who retired in 2025 after winning five NBA titles.
- Off-Court Training: Studied kung fu and meditation with Shaolin monks in China in the summer of 2025.
Lessons From Popovich and Unique Training Methods
Landing in San Antonio paired the young phenomenon with the franchise featuring Gregg Popovich. Wembanyama credits the legendary coach with teaching him about humility through film sessions. "After a win, you're rarely as good as you thought you were, and after a loss you're rarely as bad as you thought you were," Wembanyama recalled Popovich saying.
Following a blood clot in his shoulder that sidelined him during his second season, Wembanyama heavily prioritized his conditioning, particularly focusing on his feet. A staunch advocate for going barefoot and wearing minimalistic shoes to improve foot strength, posture, and back health, he often startles rookies by walking around barefoot at practice.
His curiosity also extends beyond the hardwood. In the summer of 2025, he traveled to China to learn kung fu and meditation from Shaolin monks. He compares his free-throw routine to meditation—clearing his mind for a second before focusing on the shot—and finds tactical similarities between basketball and chess, noting that chess involves decision-making and theoretical good moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team does Victor Wembanyama play for?
Victor Wembanyama plays as the star center for the San Antonio Spurs.
Who is Gregg Popovich and what is his connection to Wembanyama?
Gregg Popovich is the former coach of the San Antonio Spurs who led the team to five NBA titles before retiring in 2025, and he taught Wembanyama valuable lessons about basketball humility.
Why did Wembanyama travel to China in 2025?
In the summer of 2025, Wembanyama traveled to China where he learned kung fu and meditation from Shaolin monks.