Q&A: Spurs' Jeremy Sochan has 'something to prove' next season

USA Today

21-05-2025

Q&A: Spurs' Jeremy Sochan has 'something to prove' next season
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan could play a significant role in the development of his team as it looks to make a stride next season.
While San Antonio's roster is built around superstar big man Victor Wembanyama, it could contend as a serious threat in the Western Conference sooner rather than later if Sochan continues to improve as well. Now loaded with De'Aaron Fox and 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year winner Stephon Castle, a step forward for Sochan would go a long way under new Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
Sochan, who plays for the Polish national team in FIBA and was raised in the United Kingdom, traveled to the Philippines earlier this month in May. He attended the NBA Rising Stars Invitational Philippines Qualifiers in Metro Manila.
During this trip, in addition to a meet-and-greet with the Rising Stars teams, he also had availability to speak to one outlet in the United States about the experience.
For The Win caught up with the Spurs forward to discuss his travels and various other topics in his world.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
You are a global citizen of basketball. What defines hoops in the Philippines?
Sochan: I'm out here for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational. It's been crazy: The culture here, the energy, the fans, the basketball players. It's unbelievable.
I didn't realize how big Manila is, there are so many millions of people. When you come here, you can see the investment and the heart. Whether it's the players, the coaches, or the fans: You can feel the warm energy.
I didn't post about where I'm staying and every time I'm in the lobby, there are fans waiting to come talk to me and take photos with me and sign stuff for them. The basketball court has people waiting at the café. You can tell by the excitement and how they react: It's really genuine. It's been really impressive.
The weather is great. I'm trying new foods. I had adobo and gising-gising. It's fire. It's good food. The dried mango here is elite. I'm blessed. I'm taking it all in and doing some good work.
What is something the public does not yet grasp about Victor Wembanyama?
Sochan: For me, day in and day out, he is doing all these little things like playing chess and working on his mental health. He is doing yoga. That all plays a part in who he is and what he can do on the court.
I think a lot of people just think about his talent. Vic can do extraordinary things. But it's all the other things that he does that really open everything up on the court. That may happen behind closed doors, but I think that's really important.
He's really consistent about it. He wants to be the greatest.
More: The Spurs are reportedly 'optimistic' Victor Wembanyama will return next season after blood clot scare
What was your biggest takeaway from playing for Gregg Popovich?
Sochan: My biggest takeaway is definitely that he is the greatest. He's respected by everyone.
For me, I saw him as a coach but also as a father figure. He gave such an education on justice and different things going on in the world, I think he made me and everyone else realize that it's bigger than basketball. There are more important things in life that also need attention. At the end of day, we are all humans. We're not always going to be perfect. It's all about learning and experiencing the ups and downs and becoming a better person and a better basketball player.
When you are going out to eat with him, you let him pick the wine. He is an enthusiast. He knows everything about wine. His collection is crazy. You don't touch that menu. I'm worldly, but he is too. He's all about trying different things, eating good food, and good conversation about life and basketball. It's about being in the present moment and having a good conversation.
More: Gregg Popovich shared amazing new nickname in his first address since coaching retirement
What are you most excited about playing under new coach Mitch Johnson?
Sochan: His growth. He is young for a young head coach. That's impressive.
He's so passionate about it. He wants to be perfect. This season, there's going to be ups and downs. But I know who he is as a person and as a coach. He wants the best for all of us and for himself. He wants to create a winning culture. We have to help him as a team. It's going to be a process.
I'm super excited. I've been able to be with him not only on the court but at Basketball Without Borders in Poland. That relationship is there. I think over time, Pop gave him a lot of freedom to coach and take the leading role in practice and timeouts. He drew ATOs. He's made for it. He's ready for it. I'm super happy for him and his family.
We started really well when he was the interim and the 'Spurs way' is to keep it in-house. It's the smart way. Pop really wanted that, too. I never had any doubts.
More: 4 things to know about Mitch Johnson, who will replace Gregg Popovich as Spurs' head coach
Where do you think the Spurs are headed with the growth you saw last year?
Sochan: I think it's super exciting. When you look at it, there are a lot of stars and a lot of potential on both sides of the court.
There is no one that does not want to play on both sides of the court. In the playoffs, if you want to be a winning team, you need that. It's not just about scoring. Defense is really important and just staying together as a team.
I think players are going to have to sacrifice some of their roles when everyone is healthy. I think everyone wants to win.
This is a big summer for me. I'm excited for EuroBasket. I want to improve my whole game. I'm working on my shot. I'm working on improving my finishing even more and my ball handling, different reads, attacking different types of big men depending how we'll get guarded because of how unique Victor is as a player. I'm super motivated. I have something to prove. I'm working on my body and conditioning.
More: Will the Spurs use the No. 2 overall pick or trade it for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
When you watch the playoffs, how much do you want to play?
Sochan: It definitely makes you thirsty when you watch all the games.
You can really see what kind of teams thrive in the playoffs. I think we have all the talent and the heart on our team to make that push finally. I think last year was a year of progress and adding a few pieces. I think we were right there. We had a few injuries, which didn't help.
But no one is satisfied. We are all really hungry to make it to the playoffs.
How do you think your game translates to the postseason intensity?
Sochan: I think my game will thrive in those moments.
When you look at the playoffs right now, the game is very physical. You can see a lot of players that, in the regular-season, they impact the game. But the utility guys and the energy guys really make the team that wins really stand up.
I look at players like Mikal Bridges. I think he is a great offensive player. But he really impacts the game on the defensive side. He has won the game for New York multiple times. Of course, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler are the ultimate guys who have had so many winning positions for a lot of years.
Those are the guys who really thrive and make a difference in the postseason and I'm one of those guys.
Do you find the Spurs are one of the most worldly-recognized NBA teams?
Sochan: A thousand percent! I think being here, from what I've heard, the Spurs are one of the most followed teams by Filipinos. The team that we have now has quite a bit of international players, too.
Vic is one-of-one. I've come from Poland where I'm really the only NBA player right now. Sandro Mamukelashvili is from Georgia. There are only two Georgian NBA players right now.
Across franchise history, there are so many international players from the Spurs. It's impressive that it's not only from Europe but elsewhere like South America, too.
Does that international identity manifest as a team on the basketball court?
Sochan: I think it definitely does. We can be honest: There are two different styles of play. I think, growing up in Europe, you have to play in a team-oriented system. You communicate, make the extra pass. That is the main emphasis.
Whereas places like AAU are more based on the individual and scoring. You have flashing cameras. You get all the gear. That is not a bad thing.
I think both have cons and benefits but I do think that our game with the Spurs is worldwide and there are so many different perspectives.