Sochan goes 9th to San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO — The Spurs selected Jeremy Sochan, a versatile, defensive-minded forward from Baylor, with the ninth pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
The selection was the Spurs’ highest since they made future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan the No. 1 choice in 1997.
Sochan (pronounced So-Han) helped the Bears go 27-7 last season while earning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year honors. In 30 games, he averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Bears, who lost in overtime in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to eventual finalist North Carolina.
Gifted with a 6-foot-8, 220-pound frame and a 7foot wingspan, Sochan became a first-round prospect mainly because of his strong play on the defensive end in Scott Drew’s switch-heavy scheme. He can defend all five positions, and scouts rave about his energy, toughness and competitiveness.
The Spurs interviewed Sochan at the NBA draft combine last month in Chicago, where he said he would be a good fit for the rebuilding club, which has missed the playoffs the past three seasons.
“I would be young just like the team,” Sochan said. “I think I would bring a culture of winning and hard work. I think that’s what they are trying to find, and they are doing that. They have a great organization, and they develop their players, so I think it would be a great fit.”
Sochan described himself as a “citizen of the world” at the combine.
“I am Polish, English, American, a mixture,” said Sochan, who turned 19 last week.
Born in Oklahoma to an American father and a Polish mother, both of whom played basketball, Sochan grew up in England and speaks with an English accent. He’s played basketball in Poland and Germany.
“I have been all over the place,” he said.
The Spurs have had only four draft picks in franchise history higher than this year’s No. 9 position. Three of those players have their jerseys retired: Duncan, David Robinson (No. 1 in 1987) and Sean Elliott (No. 3 in 1989).
The Spurs had three other picks Thursday night: Nos. 20 and 25 in the first round and No. 38 in the second.