Boxing legend James Leija hopes to give Wembanyama ‘Mamba mentality’

But in terms of “tale of the tape,” nobody compared to the opponent Leija squared off with last week, Spurs 7-foot-3 rookie Victor Wembanyama.

“Victor probably beat Oscar by two feet,” Leija said. “Someone was asking me, ‘How did you do it?’ I told him, ‘I had my arms straight up. Plus, I was wearing the Pee Wee Herman (platform) shoes. But my arms were straight up in the air and they were just barely at his eye level.”

Continuing a time-honored tradition for Spurs players that began with Tim Duncan more than 20 years ago, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft is training with the former world champion.

“I was shocked he was going to work out with us,” Leija said of Wembanyama. “I didn’t think he would ever do it because he is new and they want to make sure nothing happens to him. 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.”

The first lesson was last Thursday at the Spurs practice facility near the Medical Center.. Leija said the sessions will continue with Wembanyama and other players for the next two months. 

“It’s not easy to pick up so quickly,” Leija said. “It’s body mechanics, your hips, your footing, but he picked it up right away.”

In that sense, Wembanyama reminded Leija of Spurs great Manu Ginobili.

“Ginobili was super fast in the way he picked it up, and it was something like that with (Wembanyama),” Leija said. 

READ MORE: Key games to watch as the Wembanyama Era begins

Leija, who retired in 2005 with 47 wins in 56 career pro bouts, millions of dollars in purses and a world title as a super featherweight, has been working with the Spurs on annually since the days he helped train Duncan, who led the team to five NBA titles during his Hall of Fame career.

“Boxing is such a great sport in terms of eye-hand coordination and movement, so the players are going to have faster reflexes, eye-hand coordination, all that stuff,” Leija said. “But the main reason the Spurs do this is the mental attitude you are going to have through boxing. You will play a little rougher, push your opponent a little more because you know inside you can back it up.

“I call it insurance. Just in case something…