Brandin Podziemski, a young talent hailing from Greenfield, Wisconsin, has quickly made a name for himself in the basketball world. Born on February 25, 2003, Podziemski’s journey from local courts to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he plays as a shooting guard/point guard.
His basketball prowess was evident early on during his time at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. His college years saw him initially playing for the Illinois Fighting Illini before transferring to the Santa Clara Broncos. His outstanding performance in college basketball didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2023 NBA draft.
Brandin Podziemski – Early Life
Born in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on February 25, 2003, Brandin Podziemski’s affinity for basketball was evident from a young age. Growing up, he was surrounded by the sport, with local courts serving as his playground. His early life was marked by dedication, discipline, and an insatiable passion for the game. This foundation would set the stage for his impressive journey through high school and college basketball.
Brandin Podziemski – High School Career
Podziemski’s high school basketball journey began at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Despite not playing on the varsity team as a freshman, he quickly made up for lost time. By his sophomore year, he was turning heads, averaging an impressive 22.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
This performance earned him a spot on the first team All-State. His junior year saw further growth, with averages of 27.6 points and 9.2 rebounds, once again securing him a first team All-State selection. His senior year was the pinnacle of his high school career. Averaging a staggering 35.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 steals per game, he was rightfully named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2021.
Brandin Podziemski – College Commitment
After a stellar high school career, Podziemski was highly sought after by several top-tier colleges. He initially committed to the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he played in 16 games as a freshman, primarily coming off the bench and averaging 1.4 points per game.
However, seeking a change and a new challenge, he entered the NCAA transfer portal at the end of the season. Podziemski then made the decision to transfer to Santa Clara. Here, he quickly established himself as the team’s starting shooting guard.
During his time with the Broncos, Podziemski achieved several notable accomplishments:
- Scored 30 points in the season opener against Eastern Washington.
- Named WCC co-Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season, sharing the award with Drew Timme of Gonzaga.
- Recognized multiple times as the WCC Player of the Week.
- Led the Broncos in scoring, averaging over 20 points per game.
His debut season with the Broncos was marked by these standout performances, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in college basketball. His college journey culminated with his declaration for the 2023 NBA draft, a decision solidified after positive feedback from the NBA Draft Combine.
Brandin Podziemski – NBA Draft
The 2023 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for many young talents, and Brandin Podziemski was no exception. The Santa Clara Broncos guard had already made a name for himself with standout performances at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine.
His impressive stats, including averaging 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals, had caught the attention of many NBA scouts and executives. His ability to shoot 43.8 percent on nearly six 3-pointers per game showcased his prowess from beyond the arc.
During the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Podziemski further solidified his draft stock. He recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in one of the scrimmages, making impressive shots off the bounce without any turnovers.
Such performances are exactly what NBA front-office executives and scouts look for in potential draftees. Podziemski’s athleticism was also on display, as he recorded a 39.0-inch max vertical leap, ranking in the 89th percentile among all participants in the NBA Draft Combine since 2000.
As the draft night approached, Podziemski’s name was on many teams’ radars. His combination of shooting, playmaking, and defensive intensity made him a valuable asset. The Golden State Warriors recognized his potential and selected Podziemski with the nineteenth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Given his skills and achievements, the Warriors have added a promising talent to their roster.
Brandin Podziemski – NBA Journey and Future
Selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski, the standout shooting guard from Santa Clara University, is poised to make waves in the league.
Renowned for his three-point prowess and defensive skills, his performance at the Draft Combine solidified his top 20 position. Now, with the Warriors, he’s set to hone his skills alongside basketball icons like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. His versatility and scoring capability promise a bright NBA future.
Brandin Podziemski – National Team
With roots in Poland, Podziemski has expressed interest in representing the country in international basketball. Encouraged by fellow Polish NBA player, Jeremy Sochan, efforts are underway to secure his Polish citizenship. While FIBA regulations present some challenges, the anticipation for his debut with the Polish national team is high. Under coach Igor Milicic, the team is gearing up for Olympic pre-qualifying tournaments, with Podziemski’s inclusion seen as a potential boost.
Brandin Podziemski – Personal Life
Away from the limelight of the basketball court, Brandin Podziemski’s personal life remains relatively private. As a young player, he’s focused on his career, but his Polish heritage plays a significant role in his identity. This connection to his roots is evident in his desire to represent Poland on the international stage. As he continues to grow both professionally and personally, fans and followers are eager to learn more about this rising NBA star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brandin Podziemski Polish?
Yes, Brandin Podziemski has Polish ancestry and has expressed interest in representing Poland in international basketball competitions.
How good is Brandin Podziemski?
Brandin Podziemski is a highly talented shooting guard known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills. He was selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, indicating his potential and value in the league.
Sources
1. wikipedia.org – Brandin Podziemski
2. sports-reference.com – Brandin Podziemski College Stats
3. fightingillini.com – Brandin Podziemski – 2021-22 – Men’s Basketball – University of Illinois
4. basketball-reference.com – Brandin Podziemski Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status
5. ftw.usatoday.com – Brandin Podziemski: Get to know the Santa Clara NBA Draft prospect
