NBA star Wembanyama shaves head for 10-day Shaolin Temple retreat

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' 7-foot-4 rookie phenomenon, has begun a cultural journey at China's Shaolin Temple in Henan province, with videos released on Sina Weibo.

In the video, the French basketball star was seen in a monastic robe with his head shaved, sharing vegetarian meals with resident monks and embarking on a 10-day retreat at the temple.

Local media of Henan confirmed with the Shaolin Temple that Wembanyama was truly there, without revealing more details.

His unexpected detour to the temple, following visits to Beijing's Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, became a trending topic on Chinese social media.

Regarding online speculation about ordination, temple sources clarified that foreigners cannot formally be ordained at the temple due to strict religious procedures. Wembanyama's experience is understood to be a cultural immersion program approved by the temple authorities.