Brandin Podziemski, a talented basketball player, was born to his parents, John Podziemski and Barbara West, on February 25, 2003.
Podziemski began his basketball journey with a stellar high school career at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy.
He quickly made a name for himself, earning recognition as Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2021 after averaging an outstanding 35.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 steals per game.
He started his college basketball career with the Illinois Fighting Illini but transferred to Santa Clara after limited opportunities to play.
At Santa Clara, Podziemski flourished, earning WCC Co-Player of the Year honors in 2023 and becoming one of only three NCAA Division 1 players that season to average 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
In the 2023 NBA Draft, he was selected 19th overall by the Golden State Warriors, marking the start of his professional career.
On December 12, 2023, he became the first Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2009-10 to record over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game against the Phoenix Suns.
Later that month, he achieved another milestone during a historic Christmas Day game, becoming the first NBA rookie to record 9+ rebounds, 6+ assists, 5+ steals, and 3+ three-pointers in one game.
By season’s end, Podziemski earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team and led the league in charge fouls drawn, solidifying his status as a rising star.
The Role of Family Support in Brandin Podziemski’s NBA Career
Brandin Podziemski was born to his father, John Podziemski, and his mother, Barbara West.
He grew up in Greenfield, Wisconsin, alongside his younger sister, Gabriella, enjoying a close-knit family environment.
His parents have been a significant source of support throughout his basketball career, playing an instrumental role in his journey.
John Podziemski, an avid sports enthusiast, instilled in his son the importance of discipline and dedication from an early age.
Initially, he envisioned Brandin pursuing baseball, a sport Brandin played predominantly until the seventh grade.
Showing an early talent, Brandin excelled as a left-handed player with exceptional hand-eye coordination, which convinced John that his son was destined for greatness in baseball.
His father said:
So, the first thing I told him is ‘You have to play up.’ And then he’s like, ‘OK, deal.’ I just wanted him to fail in basketball so that he would be done and say, ‘I’m coming back to baseball.’ I just had baseball in my mind. We knew nothing about basketball. I couldn’t believe we were even trying it. All we knew was baseball, and he was so good at it.
Via Essentiallysports
However, Brandin’s passion shifted towards basketball during his middle school years, leading him to focus entirely on the sport by eighth grade. He said:
Growing up I always played baseball. I would spend Saturdays with my dad, Sundays with my mom, and there would always be games on CBS, so I would watch and found it interesting. … Watching basketball inspired me to get a video game just because I thought it would be cool, so I just watched how guys shot and how it made sense. Then I’d try to implement it during recess at school. I just learned from the video game how to shoot and how to play, and over time I improved and refined my shot, got some shooting coaches input.
Via CBSSports
His parents supported this transition wholeheartedly, attending his games and encouraging his growth as an athlete.
Throughout Brandin’s high school career, his parents remained deeply involved, celebrating his accomplishments, including his recognition as Wisconsin Mr. Basketball in 2021.
In 2023, during his NBA Draft selection by the Golden State Warriors, John and Barbara were present at the event, sharing the excitement of their son’s accomplishment.
Despite Brandin’s rising fame, the Podziemski family maintains a relatively private life.
On special occasions, Brandin has publicly expressed his gratitude toward his parents, often sharing heartfelt posts on Instagram.
On Mother’s Day 2021, he posted:
Barbara West, while keeping her Instagram account private (@barb1doll), is known for her unwavering support and motivation for her son.
Similarly, John is active on social media, frequently sharing updates about Brandin’s games and achievements. His X (formerly Twitter) bio reads:
Im a father, of a son that loves to prove naysayers wrong, by his hardwork & determination.
Via X
On Brandin’s 21st birthday, John posted on X:
From a young man, to becoming your own man… A WARRIOR !!
— John Podziemski (@john_fiero) February 25, 2024
Happy 21st Birthday 🎂 🙏🏀 pic.twitter.com/kiYkIdv0ZD
On Father’s Day in 2021, he shared an image with his father on his Instagram, writing:
Happy Father’s Day Dad!!!! Thanks for always guiding me in the right direction no matter the circumstance! I love you💙🧡
Via Instagram
In moments of adversity, such as an injury during a 2023 game, John shared his pride in X, writing:
You played and gave every once tonight to the game you love for team and Dub Nation…
Via X
“You are my HERO”
While his nationality is American, Brandin’s heritage is enriched by his Polish roots, which he inherited from his father.
He has expressed interest in obtaining Polish citizenship to potentially play for the Poland men’s national basketball team, reflecting his family’s cultural roots.
As of now, Brandin continues to excel with the Golden State Warriors, with his family’s encouragement remaining a constant driving force.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During his junior year at St. John’s Northwestern Academies, Brandin played varsity football as both a wide receiver and a safety.
- He goes by the nicknames “Podz” and “Airpodz” on and off the court.
- He is 6 feet 4 inches tall (1.93 m) and weighs 205 pounds (93 kg).
