VALENCIA (Spain) - Jeremy Sochan is back with the Poland national team at a vital time in their push to secure a spot at the Olympics.
The 21-year-old strengthens a side that were victorious on home soil in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament last summer, less than 12 months on from being a top-four team at FIBA EuroBasket 2022.
It was during the qualifying campaign for that event that Sochan became Poland’s youngest senior representative, and has continued to elevate his game with San Antonio Spurs in the NBA - averaging 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last term, all those numbers rising from his rookie season.
Being able to compete with my country is important.
“It's been good [being back] - I haven't played in a minute, so just coming in there’s a few familiar faces, but a few new people - so getting used to the team, the coaching style. Just being around the team has been good, we're getting ready and we've been at work for a while.”
Sochan finally got the all-clear to play during the preparation period, after surgery at the backend of the 2023-24 season, and returns to the fold as an important piece of the puzzle - particularly on the defensive end.
He can guard any position on the court, 1 through 5, and even had a stretch during last season playing in the point guard role - quite different from his more familiar setting.
But it highlighted Sochan's adaptability, and willingness to do whatever it takes - a trait that is invaluable when it comes to international basketball.
The charismatic personality should have little trouble fitting back into the group with the opportunity to make a significant impact.
"Being able to compete with my country is important," he stated. "I think what I bring to this team is my versatility, energy, playing on both sides of the court and just giving my all to the team.
Exciting times for sure.
"We have a lot of momentum right now. I still feel like we're underdogs in most tournaments, even this one now - playing with pride and just proving people wrong. We have this, the plan is to make it to Paris and then next summer we have EuroBasket [at home], so it’s exciting times, for sure.”
It’s been five years since Sochan claimed the MVP award at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket, Division B tournament in 2019, with averages of 16.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals, 3.0 assists and 1.5 blocks to take Poland to the title in Podgorica.
That same summer in the Division A category, a certain French sensation in Victor Wembanyama was part of the All-Star Five alongside recently drafted Spanish guard Juan Nunez.
All three players will be teammates for San Antonio next season.
"I think he's great,” Sochan said of Nunez. “I already saw him in the hotel lobby, just had to congratulate him, and ask him a few questions.
“It’s crazy - it's a small world, we both played in Ulm. Pretty funny how things work out. He’s an exciting talent, sees the floor really well, as most Spanish players play. Hopefully we can play them in the Final.”
The path for any team in Valencia may well run through the hosts, but first, Poland must overcome the challenges of facing Bahamas and Finland - meaning they will need to hit the ground running.
"Tough group," began Sochan.
"Bahamas have a bunch of NBA players, some young prospects that have played in college, so it’s going to be difficult. Then, there’s Finland - a European team, play fast, shoot a lot of threes.
"For us, it's just playing our game, controlling the game - playing defense and playing hard."
Sochan already has a trip to Paris booked into his upcoming calendar, as San Antonio will play in the French capital at the start of 2025, but has a chance to fast-forward that visit later this month.
"When the Olympics is happening, there's just so much excitement around the world and everyone is watching.
"It's all just a dream. Poland hasn't been there for a while, so I think to make that history would be unbelievable for us."
FIBA