NBA star Victor Wembanyama revealed that his time training with the French second-division rugby team Provence during the off-season was driven by the sport’s strong sense of unity and teamwork. The 22-year-old French forward, standing 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing almost 17 stone, is known for his unconventional methods to enhance his performance, including spending two weeks in 2025 training with Shaolin monks in China to build both physical and mental resilience.
Video footage captured Wembanyama practicing tackling drills, passing exercises, participating in a line-out, and towering over the Provence squad during a pre-season friendly in August. Additionally, he was seen sharing a heartfelt moment in the locker room with former England rugby international Teimana Harrison, who has earned five caps for England and currently plays for Provence.
“It was an incredible experience witnessing the team spirit they have there,” Wembanyama said, accompanied on the trip by his San Antonio Spurs teammate Harrison Barnes. “The bond between players, coaches, and fans was truly motivating. The training was intense and excellent for improving stability, movement, and strength, but the warmth with which I was welcomed meant even more to me. I’ve never felt so included somewhere I wasn’t officially part of the team. I definitely want to do it again.”
Alongside his rugby training, Wembanyama also hosted his Hoop Gambit event in his hometown of Le Chesnay, where participants play a combination of chess and basketball. This past NBA season, his Spurs came close to securing the championship but fell short, losing 4-1 to the New York Knicks in June. Provence, a club previously home to Welsh internationals George North and Tomas Francis, have started their season strongly with five consecutive league wins as they push for promotion to the Top 14.
Fan Take:
Wembanyama’s willingness to step outside traditional basketball training and embrace rugby’s physicality and team culture highlights his dedication to becoming a more versatile athlete. For basketball fans, this cross-sport approach could signal a new era of player development that blends mental toughness and teamwork with on-court skills, potentially elevating the game to new heights.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
