Victor Wembanyama uses rugby and chess for NBA training

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has engaged in unconventional training methods to prepare for the upcoming NBA season. The French center recently spent several days training with the professional rugby team Provence Rugby in Aix-en-Provence.

Wembanyama participated in various training workshops alongside the rugby players, including sessions involving physical movement patterns different from those used in basketball. His teammate, Harrison Barnes, also joined the training sessions. The athlete stated that his goal is to expose his body to new movements and constraints to improve his basketball performance.

In addition to his rugby immersion, Wembanyama has highlighted chess as a vital component of his mental preparation. He uses the strategic game to improve his decision-making abilities, particularly during periods of physical fatigue, viewing it as a natural extension of his basketball strategy and anticipation.