From Draft Sleeper to Social Media Sensation: The Rise of Brandin Podziemski

In high school, Brandin Podziemski was a very talented basketball player in Wisconsin. He earned the awards of Mr. Basketball in Wisconsin and as the Gatorade State Player of the Year after averaging 35 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Even with all of the records he set in his home state, many people did not see him as a lock to play in the NBA. He played at the University of Illinois before transferring to Santa Clara University; this is when his draft stock rose dramatically.

Breakout at Santa Clara and draft rise

During his second season at Santa Clara, Podziemski’s scoring average approached 20 points per contest, his three-point shooting percentage was over 44%, and he was one of the West Coast Conference Player of the Year candidates. He became a household name over his two seasons with the Broncos due to an explosive offensive skill set combined with a two-way player, which led him to be selected 19th overall by the Golden State Warriors during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft due to a sudden rise in stock.

Rookie success and NBA spotlight

During his rookie season, Podziemski assumed an important role with the Golden State Warriors (GSW), averaging very solid all-around statistics in a variety of areas, and by May 2024, he earned First Team NBA All-Rookie status. In addition, Podziemski became the first GSW rookie since Stephen Curry (SC) to have a single game of 20 or more points on a single game, 10 or more rebounds, and 5 or more assists providing proof of the versatility that endeared him to GSW fans.

Social‑media stardom and digital presence

Alongside his on‑court success, Podziemski’s fun, relatable personality translated into a fast‑growing social‑media following, with hundreds of thousands of fans on platforms like Instagram engaging with his highlights, workouts, and behind‑the‑scenes content. His blend of high‑level play, youthful energy, and accessibility has turned him from a “draft sleeper” into a full‑blown social‑media sensation in just a few years.

FAQs

1. Where is Brandin Podziemski from?
Brandin Podziemski is from Wisconsin, USA, where he first gained national attention as a dominant high school player before heading to college at Illinois and then Santa Clara.

2. What team does Brandin Podziemski play for?
He plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, after being drafted 19th overall in 2023 and earning a spot on the NBA All‑Rookie First Team.

3. How popular is Brandin Podziemski on social media?
Podziemski has grown a large social‑media following, with over 250,000 followers on Instagram alone, placing him among the more visible young stars in the NBA’s digital ecosystem.​

Summary:
Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski rose from low‑profile recruit to top‑20 NBA pick and social‑media star, winning NBA All‑Rookie honors and amassing hundreds of thousands of followers online.