Jeremy Sochan’s steady rise: Spurs forward finding his role in year 3

When Jeremy Sochan was selected ninth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs saw a rare blend of size, versatility, and fearlessness.

Now three years in, the British-raised, forward and self-proclaimed citizen of the world, continues to evolve.

This past NBA season, the former Itchen College and Solent Kestrels forward averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 53.5% from the field, as per ESPN.

His 2024-25 field goal percentage and rebounds per game average are career-highs, despite a disrupted season – including injuries, lineup changes, and even a coaching absence—Sochan’s development remained a key narrative in San Antonio’s 34-48 campaign.

The versatility and athleticism of Sochan, who featured in the 2019 Hoopsfix All Star Classic as a 15 year old, has seen him utilised in various roles throughout the season and in his time so far in San Antonio.

He has been deployed as a defensive stopper, energy guy, and, controversially, even at point guard.

Head coach Gregg Popovich came under fire last year for experimenting with Sochan in a lead guard role; a move that divided analysts but underscored the team’s long-term investment in his all-around game.

In his end of season interview, the 21 year old spoke about the difficulties and the time it has taken for him in finding his role and place with the team.

“I think I have a better view (of his role in the team),” he said.

“I think again it’s tough because my role this year, and to be honest the last two years, it was all over the place so that’s not the easiest thing for me personally.

“But I think as a healthy team, I can see myself and I know my role.”

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This season added fresh challenges. The Spurs traded for De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin at the deadline, shaking up rotations. Injuries to Fox and Victor Wembanyama forced constant reshuffling, and when Popovich stepped away temporarily in November due to health issues, assistant Mitch Johnson assumed interim duties, further testing team cohesion.

Still, Sochan embraced the chaos.

“That’s how you adapt. One thing I’ve realised is if you’re consistent with the energy you put in in the 50-50s, the things that don’t really show up in stats…that’s how you get easy points, easy rebounds,” he said.

“Working hard, being relentless and really respecting and obeying the basketball gods, so that’s what I learned.”

Sochan began the season strongly, especially offensively, as the Polish international was averaging 17.3 points each outing through the first six games – a span which consisted of double-doubles in wins against Houston and Minnesota and a 22 point, nine board performance in a separate loss to the Rockets.

Injuries, however, did limit him shortly afterwards as the former Baylor Bear notched up only 54 appearances and 23 starts the entire campaign, which are both the lowest tallies of his career to date.

Despite this, the 2022 lottery pick still produced some good play towards the end of his third term including scoring a season high 23 points on 11/17 shooting in a victory against Philadelphia on March 22.

Heading into a busy offseason, Sochan is eager to take his game to the next level as he gears up for his first EuroBasket appearance with Poland – having become the youngest player to represent the senior national team at just 17 in 2021.

“For me it’s just constant improvement, working on my game,” he said.

“Just proving myself and again I have an opportunity in EuroBasket, in the open gym and training camp.

“That’s the cycle that we’re in. (I’m) super motivated and I’m going to get after it this summer.”