NCAA Basketball: 2021 4-star G Brandin Podziemski announces top 5
By Ian Mumm
Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt is in a very similar situation this season to Wake Forest. The injury bug has dramatically reduced the on-court performances of the program, but improved health has started to turn in more promising results and away from being the Southeastern Conference’s doormat. Head coach Jerry Stackhouse has already imprinted his mark on the Commodores program through player development, specifically through the shooting improvements of sophomores Scotty Pippen Jr. and Dylan Disu.
Pippen’s production has put him on a similar trajectory to recent and productive Vanderbilt guards (Saban Lee, Aaron Nesmith, Darius Garland) who have ascended to the NBA ranks. Podziemski has also been building a relationship with Pippen Jr. dreaming of a talented backcourt duo next season. However, those plans likely hinge on the latter’s decision regarding his pro future and if another season in a Vanderbilt uniform is something he’d like to explore.
Regardless if Pippen Jr. does leave or not, the opportunity for Podziemski to immediately come in and produce at a high level is undeniable. Guards have fared very well for the Commodores in recent years, especially as freshmen, and carry a large share of the productive responsibilities.
The arrival of Stackhouse at the helm of the program has refocused the style of this team to be very perimeter-centric and getting to the foul line. Podziemski would be a dream player for him to add to the fray and a player who could also reliably improve facilitation and overall rebounding for the Commodores.