San Antonio Spurs rookie Jeremy Sochan entered the NBA draft known as a tremendous defender at the college level, and the ninth pick is leaning on that ability in the early going of this season.
Sochan turned in a complete performance on both ends of the floor on Friday, recording 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block in a 129-124 win over the Chicago Bulls. He went 5-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-4 3-point range, in 31 minutes.
He has drawn some tough defensive matchups to begin the season, from Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards to DeMar DeRozan on Friday. Though DeRozan finished with 33 points, Sochan was among the players tasked with guarding him.
It is a challenge he is taking head-on.
That’s what I’m here for. I want it. It is just me reading their tendencies and what they like to do, where they like to get on the court and it is just reading that and trying to stop that. Sometimes they’re going to make tough shots but if I can be there, that’s what’s important.
Jeremy Sochan denies Gobert at the rim and clamps the ball from Anthony Edwards. Such a versatile defender. pic.twitter.com/JkDbFr5mOa
— Francesco Semprucci (@fra_sempru) October 27, 2022
Players entering the NBA are seldom counted on for their defensive abilities, but Sochan is among the rare cases. He demonstrates a high IQ on that end of the court and has great instincts that allow him to play passing lanes and draw charges.
Of course, it is nearly impossible to stop potent offensive players such as Edwards and DeRozan. But, if Sochan can force them into tough shots, it is likely something the Spurs will take.
“He can guard all five positions,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. “He has got quick feet. He is long. He has got a knack for it and enjoys it. He is special in that way.”
Sochan is beginning to show signs of progress on offense, too.
After scoring nine total points over the Spurs’ first three games, Sochan has reached double figures in each of his last three outings. He attributes the change to staying aggressive, which has helped him get more comfortable on the court.
I think it is just being assertive and aggressive and, as time goes, being more comfortable. I didn’t play for seven months, I missed summer league, so it is going to be a process as well but I feel really comfortable and my teammates trust me.
The Spurs have been impressed by what Sochan has been able to do in the early going, and that level of production figures to only improve as the season progresses. He could emerge as one of the top players in the class this year, as a result.
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