Wembanyama in Brive? The incredible story that started with an Instagram message and an amateur club
Feb 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after making a three point field goal during the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Victor Wembanyama surprised everyone by choosing Brive for his summer preparation. The French basketball star, currently under contract with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, spent five days in the Corrèze city to continue his recovery after his right shoulder injury.
Victor Wembanyama était à Brive ces derniers jours pour préparer sa saison NBA, au cœur des installations du @CABCLRUGBY
Le basketteur de San Antonio en a profité pour rencontrer une légende de l’ovalie, capitaine du CAB, Courtney Lawes. pic.twitter.com/C5IOPcyDwc
— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) August 1, 2025
An unexpected contact via Instagram
The story begins surprisingly on social media. « It all started on Instagram, » says Anaïs, the daughter of the CAB basketball club president. « At the beginning of July, Victor followed our account and asked us in a private message if there was a gym in Brive where he could train discreetly, » the young woman tells La Montagne.
Initially skeptical, she eventually realized the request was serious. Guillaume Alquier, Wembanyama’s physical trainer, then contacted Marie-Claire Saule, the club’s president, to organize the stay. « Everything was arranged with the city hall in complete secrecy in just ten days, » she explains.
A discreet preparation away from the spotlight
Choosing Brive was no coincidence. « In Brive, a rugby city, nobody expects to see him, » explains Cyril Blondet, one of the club’s coaches. This discretion was sought by Wembanyama and his medical staff to fine-tune his physical preparation and fully recover from his venous thrombosis in his right shoulder, an injury that prematurely ended his NBA season last February.
The 7’4″ basketball player used the Bouquet gymnasium for his training, taking advantage of the modest but functional facilities of the local club that plays in Regional 2. He also went to the CA Brive Performance Center for strength training, where he met rugby star Courtney Lawes.
A magical moment for Brive basketball
Wembanyama’s presence created wonderment within the club. « I have stars in my eyes, it’s going to be hard to work this afternoon, » Marie-Claire Saule tells La Montagne, after taking a photo with the NBA star surrounded by thirty young club members.
Before leaving, the former Metropolitans 92 player left a precious memento to CA Brive: his San Antonio jersey and a warm message: « Have a good season and thanks for the gym. » A gesture that will long be remembered in this city where rugby reigns supreme, but where basketball just experienced a historic moment.
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