Victor Wembanyama’s wild road back: kung fu, fear, and 27 points

“I was afraid I might never play basketball again.” Victor Wembanyama admits he felt real fear when doctors diagnosed him with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder last February – the same health issue that once struck Chris Bosh and Brandon Ingram. Bosh was forced to retire; Ingram recovered. So did the French center, who returned to the court this week for his fourth preseason game against Indiana – and delivered his best performance since coming back, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in just 25 minutes as the Spurs beat the Pacers.

Wembanyama finding rhythm again

His earlier preseason outings were solid too. In his first game, a 119-88 win over Guangzhou Loong-Lions, he posted 9 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in 16 minutes – a soft start after eight months away.

Those months had been full of travel and recovery. Having missed the EuroBasket due to his condition, Wembanyama spent time in Costa Rica, Japan and China. In Central America he was spotted playing soccer; in China, he visited a Shaolin monastery, where he practiced meditation and kung fu.

“It was really tough,” he told L’Équipe. “I discovered movements we never do in everyday life. We had to throw more than a thousand kicks a day – jumps, balance drills, stretches. You use muscles you barely ever engage, and they tire out so fast.”

Wemby ready for the new season

In his second preseason outing, he added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists in a 112-107 win over the Miami Heat. Then came another leap forward – 22 points, 7 boards and 3 assists in the Spurs’ 134-130 win against the Utah Jazz. Wembanyama’s steady climb through preseason marks the end of his fear and the start of his third NBA season. Wemby is back.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.