Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Ready to Lead in 'Different Role'

After a successful rookie season, Jeremy Sochan is learning to be a team leader both on and off the court, which has only further set him apart from other rising second-year stars.

MARCH 29 — Picking up a microphone at center court of the AT&T Center in front of 18,354 rowdy fans, San Antonio Spurs rookie forward Jeremy Sochan knew he wanted to make a statement.

Sochan was injured and ruled out for the season just shy of its conclusion, but that didn't stop him from being himself in front of the Spurs' home crowd, which packed the arena for San Antonio's final home game of the season against the Utah Jazz. 

Together, he and veteran forward Keldon Johnson were tasked with giving a pre-game 'Thank You' message to their fans for supporting the Spurs throughout the season, and Johnson followed the script quite well, his message being met with loud cheers and applause.

Sochan, on the other hand? He was a different story. 

"We love you all, Spurs fans," Jeremy began, once again being met with cheers. "But any Utah fans out there, you're about to lose tonight. Go Spurs Go!" 

In the moment, the entire AT&T Center was rocking with applause, pleased with the rookie's confidence in his team. All seemed well — and it might have been, if the Spurs had won the game. Instead, they lost, 128-117, and fell back to the bottom of the league standings with only two games left to play. 

"I don't know if Jeremy should have had a microphone," Spurs point guard Malaki Branham said jokingly following his team's loss. "He's a character. [After] he said that, he came back to the huddle and told us 'Y'all better win!'"

Obviously, the Spurs would've liked a different outcome to close out their home schedule, but while it may not have worked out on the scoreboard, their team chemistry only grew that night largely due to Sochan's unique "character." 

Flash forward to this year's NBA Summer League, and that only continues to ring true. 

"Jeremy's [been] a good influence on the guys," Spurs Summer League coach Matt Nielson said. "[Both the regular roster] and the Summer League team. I Credit to Jeremy and the way he goes about it. It's really good, [and] it will be pretty helpful for us moving forward." 

.@JeremySochan courtside supporting his Spurs! #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/sWqSu7vdWA

— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2023

Sochan was one of many returning San Antonio players to make an appearance in Las Vegas, sitting on the team bench to watch the younger Spurs face off against other players across the league. 

The gesture allowed the team to continue to bond, but also learn from more experienced players both during games and in practice.

"It feels good to come and support my fellow teammates," Sochan said courtside during the Spurs' matchup against the Washington Wizards. "This season, I'm in a different role. I've been in [San Antonio] for a year now, so I see little things [that they don't] and I'm able to talk to them and help them out." 

Player development remains a top priority for coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs, so Sochan's advice fits the vision that San Antonio is hoping to accomplish. Not only that, it also resonates with the younger players, though likely none more than No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama.

"I travelled with [the older players] on the way to Vegas," Wembanyama said after his second Summer League game. "I know I've said it before, but there's a really good dynamic with this group. All of our players are really supportive. They trust me and they believe in me, which is really comforting. Not every team has almost [every player] on the sidelines." 

Wembanyama has spoken highly of the Spurs' mentorship since he was drafted, as he got the chance to go to dinner with former NBA legends that are now set to become his role models. 

The level of intentionality that he's experienced is unique to San Antonio, and serves as another reason why his pairing with the storied franchise just makes sense. And if Sochan is any proof, that intentionality isn't going away anytime soon. 

"I'm just going to bring it," Sochan said a year ago, immediately after being drafted by San Antonio. "My energy is going to be there off the court and on the court. I'm going to have fun with it, but I'm going to play hard and work hard [as well]."

The second-year forward has continued to do his part, stepping into a new leadership role with Wembanyama's arrival. He's played well, and is now learning to lead well, despite his role being slightly different from last season. 

Now, the next step is for that leadership to translate on the court. 

Next up for the Spurs is a matchup against the Detroit Pistons Friday night, with a chance to advance to the Summer League Semifinal on Saturday on the line. Coverage on ESPN will begin at 8 p.m. CST.

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