When the 10-day monk stays away from the NBA! Unveiling the secret of the Vinban Spiritual Journey: He will be stronger and wiser

On June 9, Beijing time, the American media Yahoo Sports released an article about Wembanyama's coming to China to practice. The rising star of the Spurs recently appeared in China and underwent a shaving at the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, Henan Province, to begin a 10-day spiritual journey. The following is the content of the article -

Wembanyama, a 2.21-meter-tall French prodigy and Spurs superstar, has once again proved that he is very different from other NBA players, not only in height or ball skills, but also in the mental level.

In the offseason, Wembanyama made an unexpected and dramatic move: a 10-day retreat to China's Shaolin Temple, a quest for spiritual growth and inner clarity away from the aura of the NBA.

When photos of Wembanyama's newly shaved head came to light, the basketball world was shocked. In the photo, he is dressed in a traditional monk's robe and appears in the ancient temple hall of Shaolin Temple, famous as the birthplace of kung fu.

With a shaved head and a calm look on his face, the shift from the hardwood floors of San Antonio to the sacred stone floors of the monastery is a clear indication that Wembanyama is embarking on a journey like no other.

The retreat was part of his extensive cultural exploration in China, during which he also visited the Great Wall, tasted local food and experienced street culture. But this is not a casual tour.

Wembanyama reportedly readjusted his travel plans so that he could devote himself to the precepts, routine, and tranquility of Shaolin life.

Known for their martial arts training, mental toughness, and strict self-discipline, the monks did not treat Wembanyama as a celebrity, but as humble apprentices.

For 10 days, last season's NBA block king replaced jumper drills with meditative serenity, learned kung fu routines, practiced deep breathing, and enjoyed a lunch (and quiet during meals)。 For a 21-year-old NBA star with a promising future, the move is unconventional, but it fits perfectly with Wembanyama's deep, introspective personality.

After all, he once declared that his goal in life was to be "a whole person", not just an athlete. His favorite writer was Brandon Sanderson, who spent his off-season drawing in his notebook and discussing philosophy.

He has also appeared in parks in New York, inviting fans to play chess. Now, with the same intellectual curiosity and self-discipline, he travels thousands of miles to explore self-enlightenment.

Fans were amazed and amused by Wembanyama's transformation. Someone wrote: "Wenban will soon become a Qi Master (a character in "The Avatar of the World"). Another quipped, "After that he can jump from the three-point line for a dunk." ”

Social media is full of voices comparing him to Avatar characters, kung fu masters, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who played in Game of Death). Aside from all these jokes, people genuinely admire his courage to step out of his superstar comfort zone and seek growth in unexpected places.

Clearly, Wembanyama doesn't just want to be the next face of the league; He pursues a greater realm. Although the shaved hair may grow back, this chapter of Shaolin practice will probably accompany him for the rest of his life.

Wembanyama's second NBA season ended early due to deep vein thrombosis issues, and now the NBA is looking forward to his full-blooded return for the 2025-26 season. One thing is certain: when he returns, he will not only be stronger, but wiser. The rest of the league should really be wary of this "monk" who can both block and "subdue".