Editor’s note: This story was originally published prior to the NBA Draft and has been updated.
Santa Clara Broncos guard Brandin Podziemski was one of the standout performers from the 2023 NBA Draft Combine.
Podziemski averaged 19.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.8 steals while shooting 43.8 percent on nearly six 3-pointers per game. He was one of the more impressive players in his first five-on-five scrimmages during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
He recorded 10 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals while also connecting on two of his 3-pointers. Podziemski made impressive shots off the bounce and didn’t have any turnovers. It was exactly the performance that front-office executives and scouts would want to see.
“I can be a really good role player my first year,” Podziemski told For The Win during a recent interview.
Podziemski also showcased his athleticism, finishing with a 39.0-inch max vertical leap, per Stadium Speak, which ranked in the 89th percentile among all participants in the NBA Draft Combine since 2000.
“I’m gonna surprise a few people with my athletic ability,” he said.
After a 26-year gap between draft picks from Steve Nash to Jalen Williams at Santa Clara, the WCC program could potentially have a first-rounder selected in back-to-back seasons.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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