Brandin Podziemski became the first Warrior, since Eric Paschall in 2020, to make the All-Rookie First Team. Before them, there was Harrison Barnes in 2013, Klay Thompson in 2012 and Stephen Curry in 2010.
His teammate Tracey Jackson-Davis He fails in a vote by the Second Team and this small voice deprives the Warriors of a double presence in the All-Rookie Teams. This would have been a first since 1981 for the franchise, which at the time had placed Joe Barry Caroll and Larry Smith in the two best five starters.
Congratulated by Steve Nash, who like him came out of Santa Clara, Brandin Podziemski accompanies Victor Wenbanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller and Jaime Jaquez Jr. in the five of the year.
“Being the 19th pick in a franchise where few rookies can play and finish All-Rookie gives credit to my work ethic, but also to my teammates, coaches and management for giving me an opportunity”, thus thanks the rear.
A return from the abyss
However, Brandon Podziemski's young career has not always been a smooth ride. During his first season at university, he polished the bench at Illinois. This is why he then left for Santa Clara to a smaller college, but to play more.
“I was upset because I didn’t play the first few games. I had questioned my abilities,” admits Brandon Podziemski. “Was I good enough to play?” I really had to think about this, if it was something I really wanted to do, I had to fight for it. And I did it because I love this sport. And that's where we are today, two years after transferring from Illinois. It’s been a great journey. To see how I grew, developed, what I became as a person, as a man and as a player. »
Brandon Podziemski even got to play for the first time in front of his family in his native Wisconsin. He had already come to play in the corner with Illinois but the left-hander had not come off the bench. On the other hand, for his first game in Milwaukee, he shined for a 10th start with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
“I remember playing at Marquette when I was at Illinois”, remembers Brandin Podziemski. “ There were a lot of people and I hadn't even taken off my warm-up outfit. Knowing that feeling, then coming back two years later, playing well, even though we lost, it came full circle. »
