Brandin Podziemski Biography: Brandin Thomas Podziemski born February 25, 2003 is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Known by nicknames like “Podz” and “Podzcaster,” he played college basketball for both the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Santa Clara Broncos.
Brandin Podziemski Biography
Brandin Podziemski, born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, is a professional basketball player who has quickly made a name for himself as a standout guard for the Golden State Warriors. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, Podziemski’s journey from a promising high school athlete to a key contributor in the NBA reflects his determination, skill, and commitment to excellence.
Brandin Podziemski Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
February 25, 2003 (age 22)
Greenfield, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Listed height |
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Listed weight |
205 lb (93 kg) |
| High school |
St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
(Delafield, Wisconsin) |
| College |
· Illinois (2021–2022)
· Santa Clara (2022–2023) |
| NBA draft |
2023: 1st round, 19th overall pick |
| Drafted by |
Golden State Warriors |
| Playing career |
2023–present |
| Category |
Football Biographies |
See More:
Rob Dillingham Biography
Mike Conley Jr. Biography
Jaden Ivey Biography
Shannon Sharpe Biography
Maxi Kleber Biography
About Brandin Podziemski
Brandin Thomas Podziemski is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association. Nicknamed “Podz” and “Podzcaster,” he played college basketball for the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Santa Clara Broncos.
Brandin Podziemski Wiki
- Born: 25 February 2003 (age 22 years), Greenfield, Wisconsin, United States
- Current team: Golden State Warriors (#2 / Shooting guard)
- Education: Muskego High School, St. John’s Northwestern Academies
- Height: 93 m
- Date joined: 2023 (Golden State Warriors)
- Nationality: American
- League: NBA
Early Life and High School Career
Raised in Greenfield, Wisconsin, Podziemski began his high school basketball journey at Muskego High School, though he didn’t play on the varsity team as a freshman. He transferred to St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, where he quickly made an impact. As a sophomore, he earned first-team All-State honors, averaging 22.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He repeated that achievement in his junior year with averages of 27.6 points and 9.2 rebounds.
In his senior season, Podziemski had a standout year, putting up 35.1 points, 10 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4 steals per game. He was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and also received the Gatorade Player of the Year award for the state in 2021. A four-star recruit, he committed to the University of Illinois, choosing them over several other offers, including Kentucky, Miami (FL), Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.
Family Background
Raised in Greenfield, Wisconsin, Brandin developed a passion for sports early on, supported by his parents, John Podziemski and Barbara West, as well as his stepfather, Greg West. He shares a strong bond with his younger sister, Gabriella, who has remained a constant source of support. He attended St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, where he not only excelled in basketball but also played football and baseball, showcasing his diverse athletic talent.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Moments
Brandin’s high school career was impressive. He earned first-team All-State honors as both a sophomore and junior and was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2021 after an outstanding senior season that included averages of 35.1 points, 10 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4 steals per game.
He initially played college basketball at the University of Illinois, but transferred to Santa Clara University seeking a more prominent role. At Santa Clara, he thrived, earning WCC co-Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in 2023. His standout performances led to his selection by the Golden State Warriors as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
NBA Success and Achievements
In his rookie season (2023–2024) with the Warriors, Podziemski played 74 games and started 28. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. His all-around game earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Known for his high basketball IQ and versatility, he has drawn comparisons to Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson.
Current Role and Recent Developments
As of late 2024, Podziemski remains a vital part of the Golden State Warriors’ roster. His strong offseason showing, including scrimmages with Team USA, has bolstered his reputation as a rising star. Head coach Steve Kerr has praised his growth and reliability, often trusting him in key moments on the court.
Personal Life and Relationships
Brandin is in a relationship with Nicoletta Orlando. Despite the growing media attention, he keeps his private life relatively low-key. His close-knit family continues to play an important role in his life, often attending games and offering encouragement throughout his career.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Podziemski is fluent in Polish, honoring his heritage.
- He was a standout in three sports during high school: basketball, baseball, and football.
- His transfer to Santa Clara was a pivotal decision that changed the trajectory of his career.
- His rookie season stats and role have led to comparisons with Klay Thompson.
- He’s known by the nicknames “Podz” and “Podzcaster” among fans and teammates.
Community Involvement and Legacy
Committed to giving back, Podziemski supports youth sports programs and participates in charity events. He is especially passionate about mentoring aspiring athletes, encouraging them to pursue both academics and athletics.
As his career continues to grow, Brandin’s legacy is already forming—marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a team-first attitude that resonates with fans and young athletes alike.
Looking Ahead
Brandin Podziemski has his sights set on continued growth with the Warriors and dreams of becoming an NBA All-Star. There’s also interest in representing the U.S. on the international stage, potentially in future Olympic competitions. Beyond basketball, he’s becoming a cultural icon for his story of resilience and for representing athletes from non-traditional basketball markets, proving that talent and drive can emerge from anywhere.
Brandin Podziemski Net Worth 2025
Brandin Podziemski’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, stemming largely from his NBA contract and brand endorsements. While he maintains a relatively modest lifestyle, he enjoys finer things such as a sleek, high-performance vehicle and a stylish Bay Area residence.
FAQs
What college did Brandin Podziemski transfer to after Illinois?
After spending his freshman year at the University of Illinois, Brandin Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara University. The move allowed him to take on a larger role, where he thrived and earned WCC co-Player of the Year in 2023.
How did Brandin Podziemski perform in his rookie NBA season?
In his debut season with the Golden State Warriors, Brandin Podziemski played 74 games and started 28. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, which led to his selection for the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
What position does Brandin Podziemski play?
Brandin Podziemski primarily plays as a guard. His versatility allows him to contribute both as a point guard and shooting guard, depending on the team’s needs during a game.
Has Brandin Podziemski represented Team USA?
While Brandin Podziemski hasn’t officially played for Team USA in a major international competition yet, he did participate in offseason scrimmages with the team, gaining valuable experience alongside top NBA talent.
What languages does Brandin Podziemski speak?
In addition to English, Brandin Podziemski is fluent in Polish. His language skills reflect his family heritage and add a unique cultural layer to his identity as an athlete.
What impact did Brandin Podziemski have at Santa Clara?
Brandin Podziemski had a breakout season at Santa Clara, where he was named both the WCC co-Player of the Year and WCC Newcomer of the Year in 2023. His standout performance significantly boosted his draft stock ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft.
