Victor Wembanyama said Monday he had emerged from a curtailed season fitter and stronger and can¡¯t wait to get back on the court when the San Antonio Spurs begin their NBA campaign.

The 2.21-meter Frenchman, who was rookie of the year in the 2023-2024 season, was forced to shut down his season in February when deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder was discovered.

Wembanyama, 21, told reporters at the Spurs¡¯ media day he had used the time off to increase his strength through ¡°brutal¡± training.