San Fransisco, California (PSF) - Brandin Podziemski, the former player at the University of Illinois and Santa Clara University, was just recently drafted as the 19th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Heading to play for the Golden State Warriors, Podziemski had a very intriguing basketball career between the two schools. So, how did he end up being the 19th overall pick?

Beginning with his early career, Podziemski averaged 27.6 points and nine rebounds per game in his junior season of high school. He was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball as a senior after averaging 35.1 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and four steals per game. With such an impressive statistics line in high school, Podziemski was recruited heavily for college. In the end, Podziemski chose to attend the University of Illinois. Still, he was recruited by Boise State University, DePaul University, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, the University of Kentucky, Marquette University, the University of Miami, the University of Nebraska, Rice University, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University. Podzemski out of high school was an addition many wanted to their roster, but his choice to attend the University of Illinois was set.

Upon his arrival at the University of Illinois, Podziemski had an underwhelming career. The classes at Illinois were very senior-heavy, therefore Podziemski did not get the playing time he was hopeful for. With a low stat line and low playing time, Podziemski looked to transfer, ending up at Santa Clara University.

In one season at Santa Clara, Podziemski averaged 19.9 points, nine rebounds, and four assists per game. Additionally, he had a 48.3% field goal percentage with an astounding 43.8% three-point shooting percentage. That stat line alone, in one season, is what landed Podziemski his 19th pick in the NBA Draft.

Podsiemski will be moving forward with the Golden State Warriors, hopeful to continue this impressive career in the future.