“Annoying little brother,” is how Stephen Curry describes his relationship with Brandin Podziemski. From a small-town kid to becoming Curry’s brother, his story is one of persistence and growth. But what went behind making him an NBA star was a family that saw hopes for him to become a star one day, and looks like he didn’t disappoint! So, come let’s explore his family, their roots, and their story.

What ethnicity is Brandin Podziemski? Exploring the nationality of the Golden State Warriors star.

Brandin Podziemski, born on February 25, 2003, in Greenfield, Wisconsin, is a rising star in the basketball world. While his nationality is American, his heritage is enriched by his strong Polish roots, inherited from his father, John Podziemski. Proud of this connection, Brandin has expressed a desire to obtain Polish citizenship to represent Poland in international basketball, highlighting how deeply his Polish identity resonates with him.

Growing up in a family that emphasized hard work and perseverance, Brandin’s upbringing significantly shaped his outlook on life. Interestingly, basketball wasn’t his first sport. His father initially envisioned a future for him in baseball, a sport he played until seventh grade. However, Brandin’s passion for basketball ultimately prevailed, prompting him to switch to the game he truly loved. Today, he stands as a testament to determination, playing alongside stars like Stephen Curry, and credits his parents for instilling in him the belief that hard work makes anything possible.

Brandin Podziemski’s mother, Barbara West, and his younger sister, Gabriella Podziemski, have played significant roles in shaping his life. Despite her age, Gabriella has been a constant source of support for Brandin, who often highlights their close family bond. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared during a recent interview on 95.7, The Game’s “Willard and Dibs”: “Part of it is growing up around a family that is about winning. We want to win at everything we do. Another part of it is the work you put into stuff like this that you care about, and knowing that you put it in for a reason… A combination of those three things is what has led me to have that daily confidence in myself.” This competitive spirit, instilled by Barbara and John, shaped an environment where success was not only encouraged but expected.

Brandin has also opened up about the challenges of being a white player in a predominantly Black sport, acknowledging the added pressure it brought. He noted, “Half the battle is looking the part,” underscoring how his journey to the NBA has been about more than just talent—it has been fueled by perseverance and an unshakable belief in himself.

Brandin Podziemski’s family supports him every step of the way, attending his games and cheering him on. His father, John, proudly reflected on Brandin’s dedication, saying, “He’s a blue-collared hard-working kid, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.” As Brandin continues to make his mark in the NBA, it’s evident that his mother, father, and sister have been his unwavering support system.

With a promising future ahead, the question arises—could Brandin one day represent Poland on the international stage? While the answer lies in the future, one thing is certain: the journey of this blue-eyed kid to the NBA is nothing short of inspiring.

Where did Brandin Podziemski attend high school and college?

Brandin Podziemski’s journey to the NBA began in Greenfield, Wisconsin, where his childhood love for baseball initially took center stage, much to the delight of his father, John, who hoped he’d pursue a career in the sport. However, basketball soon captured Brandin’s heart.

At St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, he transformed from an overlooked freshman into a standout star. By his senior year, he earned the title of Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball, showcasing his dominance with an impressive 35 points per game. His list of achievements, however, didn’t stop there, cementing his legacy as a rising basketball talent.

Did you know Brandin Podziemski was also named the Boys’ Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year for Wisconsin in 2021? This prestigious recognition highlighted his talent and drive, leading to his rating as a four-star recruit eligible to play college basketball.

Although he received offers from top programs such as Kentucky, Miami, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest, Brandin chose to join Illinois. However, his freshman year didn’t go as planned—he played limited minutes off the bench, averaging just 1.4 points per game. Refusing to let setbacks define him, he entered the transfer portal after the season, determined to showcase his potential and reignite his basketball journey.

After transferring to Santa Clara, Brandin Podziemski completely turned the tables on his basketball career. He became the Broncos’ star player, earning WCC Player of the Year honors. His confidence skyrocketed as he showcased his all-around game, averaging nearly 19 points and 8 rebounds per game. Brandin proved to be the complete package—scoring, rebounding, and defending at an elite level.

Following his standout performance, Brandin declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. The Golden State Warriors selected him as the 19th overall pick, setting the stage for an exciting NBA career. With the Warriors, Brandin has shown promise early on, already making an impact. In November alone, he averaged 6.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

The question now is, what’s next for Steph Curry’s “little brother” as the season progresses? The potential for growth and success is undeniable—stay tuned!