NCAA Basketball: 2021 4-star G Brandin Podziemski announces top 5
By Ian Mumm
![LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 09: Devin Askew #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Rupp Arena on February 09, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 09: Devin Askew #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Rupp Arena on February 09, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9dc5c94a481f8d46a67290bfff21575e1a8ec47c99182de3697ae37816770db9.jpg)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The rebuilding process for first-year head coach Steve Forbes has not been kind. Securing a couple of wins during the offseason retaining key talent has not enabled the Demon Deacons to necessarily keep pace on the court. The good news for the program however is that the team’s top four players are set to return next season and improve upon the team’s situation in 2021-22. Additionally making the final five for a player of Podziemski’s caliber is already a win for Forbes, who has quickly shown he will be a force on the recruiting trail.
Podziemski has repeatedly stressed that his decision will be based on the strength of the relationships he develops with the staff and who provides the best opportunity for him to achieve his goal of making the NBA. He has already been in routine contact with mid-season enrollee Carter Whitt and the two have discussed what could be possible on the court next season.
The Demon Deacons are a modest perimeter shooting team this year but have much more difficulty scoring in other areas of the floor. They also don’t rebound at a high rate or share the ball well, but each is an area that Podziemski can immediately help to drastically improve. His length and frame are a plus asset to the Wake Forest backcourt and will improve the team’s ability to consistently contend on the scoreboard.
Making the final five already indicates the Demon Deacons are receiving sufficient consideration, despite contending with powerful programs like Illinois and Kentucky. They have as good a chance as any to acquire his services.