After a long NBA season, Victor Wembanyama, the 7’4” rising star of the San Antonio Spurs, took a well-deserved break in Asia for a spiritual reset. During his stop in China, he visited the famous Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou, shaved his head, wore monk robes, and dove into practices like Chan meditation, traditional kung fu, and ancient Chinese medicine.

Cultural adventures and a viral soccer moment

The 21-year-old French phenom didn’t just embrace the spiritual side of the trip. He toured iconic sites like the Great Wall of China and went viral after hitting a stunning free kick on a soccer field. The video shows him curling the ball into the net and pulling off Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature celebration—earning big cheers and sparking plenty of jokes online about his multi-sport talent.

Despite the laid-back vibe of his travels, Wembanyama hasn’t stopped working on himself. The NBA and local media in China have tracked his journey closely, noting how he’s blending personal growth with elite-level physical prep. Even the Chinese basketball scene gave him props for staying active while soaking up the culture.

Gearing up for next season

He’s set to return to the U.S. soon for the Summer League in Las Vegas, where he’ll reunite with the Spurs to get ready for the new season. Though a blood clot cut his rookie campaign short, Wemby still dominated—earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the league in blocks, putting himself in historic company alongside names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Whether he’s swatting shots or meditating in a temple, Wembanyama continues to turn heads. Nicknamed “the tallest monk ever” by fans online, he’s proving that his journey is about more than just basketball—it’s about curiosity, growth, and staying grounded no matter how high he rises.