Sports
Sultans of the Net up for global glory at FIVB World Championship
The Turkish women’s national volleyball team – widely known as the “Sultans of the Net” – have announced a formidable extended squad for the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand, set to take place from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7.
Head coach Daniele Santarelli, the architect of Türkiye’s recent golden generation, has crafted a 22-player preliminary roster rich in star power, experience and youthful promise.
The team will face Spain, Bulgaria and Canada in Group E, a trio of stylistically varied opponents that should challenge Türkiye’s tactical versatility and mental stamina.
This World Championship, held quadrennially, is one of volleyball’s most prized stages, drawing 24 elite teams into a month-long marathon of high-caliber action.
For Türkiye, which won the 2023 Volleyball Nations League and captured bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the tournament is more than just another campaign – it’s a declaration of their arrival among the sport’s global giants.
Forged by fire
Under Santarelli’s stewardship, the Turkish squad has grown from regional contender to international powerhouse.
Tactical fluidity, defensive grit, and a lethal offensive trio led by superstar opposite hitter Melissa Vargas have become hallmarks of this squad.
Ranked among the world’s top teams, Türkiye now carries the weight of expectation into Thailand.
The Sultans’ depth was on full display in recent tournaments, and the 22-player extended roster reflects a careful balance of seasoned veterans and rising stars.
That roster will eventually be whittled down to 14, as required by FIVB regulations.
Core of champions
The setting corps is anchored by Cansu Özbay, whose court vision and tempo control have made her indispensable.
Backing her are Elif Şahin and promising newcomer Dilay Özdemir, while Sıla Çalışkan and Arelya Karasoy Koçaş round out a deep group.
At opposite hitter, Vargas looms large – both literally and figuratively.
The Cuban-Turkish dynamo, MVP of the 2023 VNL, remains Türkiye’s offensive spearhead.
Behind her, Aleksia Karutasu, Defne Başyolcu, and Aylin Uysalcan provide layers of firepower, ready to step in if needed.
Balanced attack
Türkiye’s outside hitters must serve as two-way players, scoring in attack and anchoring the first line of defense.
Veterans like Hande Baladın and Meliha Diken bring experience and poise, while Ebrar Karakurt, the flamboyant southpaw with a thunderous serve, remains one of the most electrifying players in the sport.
Saliha Şahin and Derya Cebecioğlu provide steadiness, with Yaprak Erkek and İlkin Aydın offering dynamic energy and passing precision.
Wall in the middle
Eda Erdem Dündar, the spiritual and tactical captain, continues to be the heart of the Turkish defense.
Her ability to read attacks and lead from the front makes her irreplaceable.
Alongside her is Zehra Güneş, whose timing and reach make her a nightmare at the net for opposing hitters.
Veteran Aslı Kalaç, the athletic Sinead Jack-Kısal, and prospects Deniz Uyanık and Berka Buse Özden provide depth and diversity in the middle blocker position, each capable of contributing when called upon.
Backcourt backbone
No defense functions without elite liberos, and Türkiye has two.
Gizem Örge, widely regarded as the best libero in the world after earning top honors in the 2023 VNL, returns to lead the backcourt.
Simge Aköz, a seasoned and consistent performer, partners with her to form an elite defensive tandem.
Youngster Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın rounds out the group, gaining crucial experience for future campaigns.
Caution signs
Though Türkiye enters Group E as heavy favorites, each opponent presents unique hurdles.
Spain offers a disciplined but less athletic unit; Bulgaria brings a gritty, unpredictable style that can frustrate stronger sides.
Canada, led by the high-flying Kiera Van Ryk, is athletic, hungry, and capable of springing an upset if underestimated.
Navigating the group with clean wins will be crucial to securing a favorable path in the knockout stages, where volleyball’s elite – Italy, Brazil, and the United States – await.
Building a legacy
The stakes are high. Türkiye’s women have never reached the World Championship final, let alone claimed gold.
Their best finish came in 2010, when they landed sixth.
But times have changed. This team carries the swagger of champions, with a track record that includes a European Championship title, a VNL crown, and Olympic hardware.
This World Championship is not just about validation – it’s a springboard to 2026’s edition in Europe and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Success in Thailand would not only boost their international standing but ignite further interest in the sport domestically, where volleyball has soared in popularity over the last five years.
Players to watch
Melissa Vargas remains the focal point. Her jump serve, unmatched vertical and offensive range make her nearly unguardable.
Captain Eda Erdem’s leadership and blocking are foundational.
Karakurt, with her fire and flair, is capable of swinging momentum on her own.
And Gizem Örge will anchor a defense that must withstand the best hitters in the world.
The supporting cast is no less vital – whether it’s Elif Şahin keeping the offense humming, Zehra Güneş patrolling the net, or Saliha Şahin shoring up serve reception under pressure.
The Turkish Taekwondo Federation has announced a 39-athlete squad to represent the nation in July 2025.
The team will compete in three major events: the FISU World University Games in Germany, the European Youth Olympic Festival in North Macedonia, and the inaugural European Para Youth Games in Istanbul.
With competitors spanning both kyorugi (sparring) and poomsae (forms), as well as para-taekwondo disciplines, Türkiye aims to further cement its place among the global elite.
University elites take the stage in Rhine-Ruhr
At the FISU 2025 World University Games, held July 16-27 in Germany’s Rhine-Ruhr region, 21 Turkish student-athletes will vie for medals in kyorugi and poomsae events.
Long considered a launchpad for Olympic success, the Universiade gives Türkiye’s scholar-fighters a chance to showcase their dual dedication to academics and elite sport.
In kyorugi, a strong women’s lineup includes Emine Gögebakan in the 46 kg. class, Elif Sude Akgül (49 kg.), and Sude Yaren Uzunçavdar (73 kg.), all known for speed, precision, and tactical prowess.
Heavyweight Esra Akbulak is eyeing the podium, while the men’s team, led by Alihan Kuru (54 kg.) and Hüseyin Berat Demircioğlu (+87 kg.), brings depth and power across weight classes.
Türkiye’s poomsae representatives – Gülsena Karakuyulu Ertunç, Muhammed Emir Yılmaz, and Furkan Bayrak among them – will focus on choreographed performance, where precision, rhythm, and balance matter as much as power.
These athletes carry forward a strong tradition of Turkish excellence in technical forms.
With a decorated past in the Universiade, Türkiye hopes to match or exceed its previous medal haul, continuing a lineage that includes Olympic medalists like Hakan Reçber and Nafia Kuş.
The competition also offers key developmental experience for athletes with their eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Tomorrow’s champions
While university-level stars fight in Germany, Türkiye’s next wave of taekwondo talent heads to Skopje, North Macedonia, for the European Youth Olympic Festival, running July 20-26.
Ten athletes aged 14-18 will represent the country in kyorugi, eager to gain international experience and measure themselves against Europe’s best.
Among the standouts is Damla Nur Yılmaz (44 kg.), a speed-driven lightweight, and Sıla Irmak Uzunçavdar (55 kg.), who follows in the footsteps of her older sister Sude.
On the men’s side, Emre Talha Evin (55 kg.) and Nusret Efe Çakır (63 kg.) bring aggressive styles and promising national records.
The EYOF is widely regarded as a proving ground for future Olympians. It’s the same stage where several of Türkiye’s current national team members first emerged.
This year’s edition offers both medals and momentum for young athletes aspiring to break into senior competition in the coming years.
EPYG makes history in Istanbul
Istanbul will host the inaugural European Para Youth Games from July 21-28, marking a milestone for para-sport in Türkiye.
For the first time, the city will welcome young para-athletes from across Europe, with Türkiye’s eight-member para-taekwondo team competing in poomsae disciplines.
Gizem Bayrak and Ayşe Selenay Akyazıcı lead the home contingent, joined by athletes such as Ömer Tutmeri and Cemal Öztürk, who bring a blend of poise and competitive drive. Their routines will showcase adaptation, creativity, and determination – hallmarks of para-taekwondo.
This event not only highlights Türkiye’s growing investment in para-sport but also offers young athletes a chance to inspire on home soil.
With role models like Paralympian Meryem Betül Çavdar paving the way, the EPYG serves as a crucial step toward broader recognition and opportunity.
United push across all levels
Türkiye’s simultaneous participation in three prestigious taekwondo events in one month reflects its deep bench of talent and commitment to all tiers of development.
From teenagers at the EYOF to student-athletes at the Universiade and para-sport pioneers at the EPYG, the nation is presenting a complete portfolio of future stars.
Veterans like Gülsena Karakuyulu Ertunç in poomsae, rising medal favorites like Sude Yaren Uzunçavdar, and trailblazers such as Gizem Bayrak offer a compelling mix of leadership, potential, and ambition.
Each athlete, in their own arena, is part of Türkiye’s broader taekwondo legacy – one shaped by champions like Servet Tazegül and carried forward by the new generation.
Navigating the global stage
While competition will be fierce, with South Korea, China, Great Britain, and Spain expected to field strong teams, Türkiye’s comprehensive preparation, including international training camps and strategic match-ups, positions them well for success.
The home-court advantage in Istanbul is expected to boost morale and visibility for para-athletes, while the presence of mentors and veteran coaches across all teams ensures readiness under pressure.
Türkiye’s football powerhouses – Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Trabzonspor – are lighting up the 2025 summer transfer window with aggressive bids and high-profile negotiations, aiming to reshape their squads and reignite European ambitions.
Beşiktaş: Big dreams, bold bids
Beşiktaş are going all in to bring Kerem Aktürkoğlu back to Türkiye, offering Benfica a swap deal involving Jean Onana and Al Musrati.
The Turkish international, reportedly unsettled in Portugal, is at the top of Beşiktaş’s wishlist.
To strengthen their hand, the club is using the influence of Orkun Kökçü – recently signed from Benfica for 20 million-25 million euros ($23 million-$29 million) and a former teammate of Aktürkoğlu – as part of their persuasive strategy.
In another bold attempt to strengthen their wings, Beşiktaş have set their sights on Jadon Sancho, who has struggled for regular game time at Manchester United.
Club officials are preparing to travel to England to negotiate directly with United and the player in hopes of striking a deal.
Talks have also begun with Memphis Depay, currently at Corinthians, who is reportedly eager to return to European football.
Beşiktaş believes the Dutch international would bring experience, versatility, and much-needed creativity to their attack.
The club has already made headlines with the arrivals of Tammy Abraham and David Jurasek, both of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the new season as Beşiktaş builds a squad capable of domestic and European success.
Fenerbahçe: Mourinho’s revolution
Under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahçe are aggressively pursuing high-profile reinforcements.
Granit Xhaka, the 32-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, is in talks with the Istanbul club following the collapse of a proposed move to Neom SC in Saudi Arabia.
Fenerbahçe’s sporting director, Devin Özek, is leading the negotiations personally.
Alongside Xhaka, Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma has emerged as Mourinho’s top midfield target. However, the deal is proving difficult due to the player’s high price tag and reluctance to leave the Premier League.
In perhaps the most ambitious move of the window, Fenerbahçe are making a push to sign Heung-min Son.
The club has reportedly offered the Tottenham captain a lucrative salary package, hoping to tempt the South Korean star into a return to Turkish football.
They have reached an agreement on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.
Discussions with PSG are now focused on structuring the payment, with Fenerbahçe optimistic about finalizing the transfer soon.
Midfielder İsmail Yüksek could be on the way out, as Serie A side Udinese have submitted an offer. The 25-year-old is considering the move in search of more playing time.
Fenerbahçe have already secured the services of Jhon Duran on loan, and signed Archie Brown from KAA Gent for 8-9 million euros, outpacing interest from AC Milan.
The club was also in discussions with Marco Asensio, but the Spanish forward turned down their 9 million euro-per-year offer in favor of an Italian club.
Injuries, however, are casting a shadow over preseason preparations.
Anderson Talisca is out with a hamstring injury, while Rodrigo Becao, Mert Hakan Yandaş, and Cenk Tosun are also dealing with setbacks ahead of the team’s Portugal training camp.
Galatasaray: Power moves
Galatasaray have opened negotiations with Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who is reportedly interested in returning to Türkiye.
Talks are ongoing, but the club’s main focus remains on securing the services of Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
The Nigerian striker is a top priority, with Galatasaray prepared to allocate major resources to complete the deal.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have successfully signed Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich, adding pace and experience to their flanks. In goal, the club is targeting Yann Sommer of Inter Milan.
The Swiss international is said to be keen on the move, and discussions over salary are underway.
Galatasaray have also made an offer for Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, the club has made it clear they will not exceed their transfer budget to close the deal.
Both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are exploring a potential loan move for Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-Jae.
The South Korean previously played for Fenerbahçe and could be an asset to either Istanbul side’s backline.
Elsewhere, Italian side Como have submitted a 25 million euros bid for Galatasaray defender Davinson Sanchez and Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata.
Galatasaray are weighing the financial advantages against the risk of weakening their defensive core.
Trabzonspor: Experience incoming
Trabzonspor are on the verge of finalizing a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
The 30-year-old has reached a personal agreement with the Turkish club and is working on terminating his contract with Atletico.
Once that is settled, he is expected to travel to Istanbul to complete the move.
The club has already strengthened its ranks with the signings of Wagner Pina and Paul Onuachu, signaling its intent to challenge the traditional Istanbul giants in the upcoming season.
Across the league
On the continental front, Turkish clubs are aiming for more than just domestic dominance.
Fenerbahçe, guided by Mourinho, is targeting the Champions League, while Galatasaray and Beşiktaş are reinforcing for the Europa League and Conference League campaigns.
Rumors and whispers
Fenerbahçe are monitoring Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, both viewed as potential additions to Mourinho’s attack.
For one that sounds a bit far-fetched, the Istanbul-based club has also submitted a 40 million euro bid for Raphinha, though Barcelona remain intent on keeping the Brazilian winger.
Meanwhile, İrfan Can Kahveci is reportedly frustrated by a lack of minutes at Fenerbahçe. The midfielder has instructed his agent to seek a move elsewhere, with Beşiktaş showing early interest.
The future of Victor Osimhen hangs in the balance as Galatasaray and Napoli head into what could be the decisive round of talks to secure the Nigerian striker’s permanent move to Istanbul.
The Super Eagle, who became a cult hero during his loan spell last season, has made his intentions clear: he wants to stay.
But Napoli’s financial demands and hardline stance are pushing the deal to the brink.
Osimhen, 26, fired Galatasaray to a domestic double last season, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 matches.
He has told Napoli he has no interest in joining another club and is furious at what he calls deliberate obstruction. “Enough is enough. I want Galatasaray,” he reportedly told the Italian side. “What’s your problem with me?”
Despite Galatasaray’s 70 million euros ($81.4 million) bid, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has held firm, refusing to budge from the 75 million euros release clause.
Napoli wants 50 million euros paid upfront and the remaining 25 million euros by 2026.
Galatasaray, constrained by Financial Fair Play rules, prefers a longer installment plan – 40 million euros upfront and 35 million euros spread until 2027.
Napoli has also demanded a 20% sell-on clause and a three-year ban on selling Osimhen to another Serie A club – conditions Galatasaray is reportedly willing to meet.
‘Let Osimhen go’
Osimhen, frustrated by the deadlock, has skipped Napoli’s pre-season camp, citing a medical exemption.
His close friend Buchi Laba publicly accused Napoli of “deliberately frustrating and wearing him down,” echoing concerns that the club is stalling the transfer out of spite rather than strategy.
Tensions flared further when Football Italia claimed that Napoli Vice President Edoardo De Laurentiis received threats from individuals allegedly linked to the Turkish Mafia.
A Turkish journalist allegedly published WhatsApp messages saying, “Let Osimhen go or you are finished.” While Galatasaray has distanced itself from the incident, the episode has added volatility to an already fiery negotiation.
A key obstacle remains financial assurances.
Galatasaray claim to have secured funds from a 500 million euro deal involving the sale of their training ground to the City of Istanbul, but Napoli have denied receiving any bank guarantee.
A club official speaking to SABAH Spor said no financial proof has been presented, despite ongoing talks.
Meanwhile, Saudi club Al-Hilal remains in the wings with a 75 million euros offer structured over two payments.
However, Osimhen has rejected their advances multiple times, unwilling to trade Champions League football for the Saudi Pro League.
Premier League giants, including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal, have also been linked but remain on the sidelines without formal bids.
Napoli’s resolve is rooted in long-term planning.
With Romelu Lukaku already signed and Darwin Nunez on their radar, Osimhen no longer fits into Antonio Conte’s vision.
But with his contract extended until 2026 – plus an option for 2027 – Napoli holds leverage and wants to extract maximum value.
Today’s meeting is being described as pivotal. Galatasaray is expected to submit a revised offer closer to Napoli’s 75 million euro demand. The Italian club has set a firm deadline of July 19 to receive a full financial guarantee, or shift focus to Al-Hilal’s offer.
Osimhen has already agreed to personal terms with Galatasaray: a three-year deal worth 16 million euros annually.
But unless the two clubs find common ground within days, the summer’s most dramatic transfer saga could take yet another unexpected turn.
Marco Asensio has turned down a lucrative 9 million euro-a-year ($10 million-a-year) offer from Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, signaling his determination to remain in Europe’s elite leagues as he prepares to leave Paris Saint-Germain, Mundo Deportivo reported Tuesday.
Despite a generous proposal that included guaranteed minutes under Jose Mourinho, the former Real Madrid star declined the move, prioritizing a return to one of Europe’s top five leagues.
The 29-year-old Spanish international, under contract with PSG until 2026, has drawn interest from AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Villarreal, all exploring options to bring in the versatile playmaker during the summer transfer window.
Since joining PSG on a free transfer from the Spanish capital in 2023, Asensio has struggled for consistency.
He made 31 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and adding six assists, but failed to secure a regular starting role under Luis Enrique.
His playing time dipped further the following season, prompting a loan move to Aston Villa, where he registered three goals and one assist in 13 matches under Unai Emery.
With PSG now rebuilding around younger talent like Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves, Asensio is no longer part of the club’s long-term plans.
The Ligue 1 champions are seeking to offload him this summer for a fee of around 10 million euros.
His current salary – estimated at 14 million euros annually – is seen as a stumbling block, with few clubs able or willing to match those wages.
Fenerbahçe’s bid was the most concrete to date, but Asensio’s sights remain set on more competitive leagues.
AC Milan has expressed the strongest interest, viewing him as a natural fit for Paulo Fonseca’s midfield.
Inter Milan also see him as a useful rotation piece behind Turkish international Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Villarreal, meanwhile, offer a familiar setting in La Liga and the potential for a central role under Marcelino as the club aims to return to European competition.
Financial constraints remain an issue for all three clubs, none of which can match his current PSG salary.
Asensio would need to accept a significant pay cut to finalize a deal.
Milan’s top earners, including Rafael Leão, make around 7 million euros per year, and Villarreal’s wage structure is even leaner.
Despite an uneven spell in Paris, Asensio remains a valuable asset on the market.
His ability to play across multiple attacking roles – winger, central midfielder, or false nine – combined with a resume that includes four Champions League titles and 37 caps for Spain, make him an experienced option for clubs seeking depth and technical quality.
His short stint at Aston Villa proved he can still perform in high-intensity environments.
Highlights included a goal against Arsenal and an assist versus Tottenham, reaffirming his ability to contribute at the top level when given consistent minutes.
Asensio’s current market value is estimated at 20 million euros by Transfermarkt, though clubs are expected to negotiate lower fees given his contract length and PSG’s intent to sell.
If no deal is reached this summer, he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs starting in January 2026.
Several other teams remain in the conversation.
Premier League sides Tottenham and West Ham have monitored his availability, though no formal offers have been made.
In Spain, Real Sociedad and Sevilla have shown mild interest, but financial limitations make any serious pursuit unlikely.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, have also made inquiries, offering massive wages, but Asensio is not currently entertaining a move outside Europe.
For PSG, selling Asensio is part of a broader strategy to lower the wage bill and reinvest in youth.
After offloading Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid in 2024, the club is focused on long-term sustainability and squad balance.
Fenerbahçe will begin their 2025-26 preseason campaign on Thursday with a friendly against Portuguese side Portimonense at Estadio Municipal de Albufeira.
The match marks the start of Jose Mourinho’s full preparations for what the club hopes will be a title-winning season.
The Istanbul giants, who finished second in the Süper Lig last season and competed strongly in Europe, are using the Portugal camp to integrate new signings, test tactical ideas and sharpen player fitness.
This match is not just a tune-up – it’s a litmus test for what Mourinho’s project could become.
Among the fresh faces set to make their unofficial debuts are Archie Brown and goalkeeper Tarık Çetin.
Both have impressed in training and could earn their first minutes in a Fenerbahçe shirt.
Another player to watch is Ognjen Mimovic. Signed during last season’s winter break but immediately loaned out, the young defender is finally expected to wear the Fenerbahçe jersey for the first time.
Notably absent will be Jhon Duran, the high-profile Colombian forward whose arrival in Portugal is scheduled for later today.
As a result, he won’t feature in the matchday squad.
Rodrigo Becao and Mert Hakan Yandaş remain sidelined with injuries, while Cenk Tosun is being monitored for mild discomfort. His availability will be determined closer to kickoff.
Portimonense, a mid-table team from Portugal’s Primeira Liga, is expected to provide a competitive and tactically disciplined test.
Their emphasis on structured defense and quick counters will offer Mourinho’s side a realistic challenge as they look to refine their style of play.
The Portuguese club is also likely to rotate its squad, giving Fenerbahçe an opportunity to assess different match scenarios.
This friendly is more than just an exhibition. For Mourinho, it’s a chance to evaluate how well new players are blending in, explore formations such as the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, and experiment with transition play, key features of his managerial identity.
It also provides an early platform for Fenerbahçe’s youth players to impress the coaching staff and stake a claim for regular minutes.
The squad in Portugal includes a blend of senior internationals, new recruits, and academy talent.
From seasoned names like Irfan Can Kahveci, Fred, and Alexander Djiku to exciting additions like Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri, the depth of this roster underlines the club’s ambition to compete on multiple fronts.
Looking beyond Portimonense, Fenerbahçe’s preseason schedule will feature several more friendlies designed to gradually increase in intensity.
These matches are critical as the team builds rhythm ahead of their Süper Lig opener in August and potential European qualifiers.
Transfer activity is expected to remain a major storyline in the coming weeks, with the club eyeing further reinforcements to bolster their pursuit of silverware.
While the outcome of Thursday’s friendly may not matter in the standings, it will offer a first real look at how Mourinho intends to shape this team.
After months of uncertainty due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been medically cleared to resume basketball activities and is expected to be fully available when training camp opens this fall.
The 7-foot-4 phenom revealed his status in an interview published Monday by French sports daily L’Equipe, telling the outlet:
“I’m officially cleared to return. I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again.”
A person familiar with the situation confirmed to The Associated Press (AP) that the Spurs have received word of Wembanyama’s clearance, though the team has not publicly disclosed details.
The clearance likely indicates Wembanyama’s deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was provoked, typically a more manageable condition, caused by factors like muscle or rib compression rather than genetic clotting disorders.
The Spurs have not confirmed specifics, but Wembanyama’s case appears to be treatable, unlike more serious clotting conditions that have prematurely ended careers, including those of Chris Bosh and Tomas Vokoun.
Still, Wembanyama admitted the diagnosis shook him:
“I was afraid of not being able to play basketball anymore. Those irrational thoughts creep in when you care deeply about something.”
Wembanyama, the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, was on pace for a historic sophomore season when the condition was discovered in February. He was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game – a statistical feat only matched by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1975-76 season.
“My injury was an adventure, obviously, but the hardest part is over,” Wembanyama said. “I’m much better today, physically and mentally.”
The 20-year-old will need a ramp-up period before returning to full-speed five-on-five play, but he’s optimistic.
“It’s been five months since I played a 5-on-5 match. There are plenty of reflexes to find – both mental and muscle memory.”
Warrior monk mode
During his rehab, Wembanyama didn’t just rest. Last month, he traveled to Zhengzhou, China, where he spent time at a Shaolin temple, training in Kung Fu, meditation, and traditional Chinese medicine.
“We were initiated into the life of a warrior monk – Buddhism and intensive kung fu,” he said. “It was more than 1,000 kicks a day, jumps, stretches … I had some of the worst aches of my life.”
Though he doesn’t identify as Buddhist, Wembanyama embraced the mental and physical discipline.
“It changes you,” he said. “For the better.”
-
Politics3 days agoAs Türkiye defeats FETÖ, global network erodes
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoThe leader stood upright, the nation wrote epic
-
Politics2 days agoTürkiye clamps down on FETÖ on anniversary of coup attempt
-
Economy2 days agoFor Europe, 30% US tariff would be game-changer
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoThey kept the list of bribes – Breaking News
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoHak-İş commemorate the martyrs of July 15 with prayers
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoTurkish nation crushed the head of the traitors
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoPraised words for the historical speech of President Erdoğan from the AK Party Hüseyin Yayman: Türkiye is on the verge of a new era