San Antonio, recognized for its wealthy basketball historical past, has a singular custom of its personal – NBA gamers coaching with native boxing legend “Jesse” James Leija. This custom, which dates again over twenty years to the times of Tim Duncan, continues with Victor Wembanyama, the highest total decide of the 2023 NBA Draft.
Leija, a Hall of Famer whose boxing profession spanned 17 years, is famend for going through opponents with important peak and attain benefits.
Initially shocked by Wembanyama’s curiosity in coaching, Leija was impressed by the younger NBA prospect’s fast talent growth.
“I was shocked he was going to work out with us,” Leija admitted, per Tom Orsborn of San Antonio Express-News. “But, nah, he was ready. We wrapped him up, and he took to it so fast. I was amazed at how fast he picked it up, his skill level.”
