'Just How Cool He Is!' Spurs' Jeremy Sochan Speaks on Gregg Popovich, 1st NBA Offseason

Ahead of Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan's second NBA season, the 20-year-old made sure to give his veteran coach his flowers, as well as set goals for his career moving forward.

Before Victor Wembanyama made his way to the San Antonio Spurs, the NBA world largely saw the small-market team as a bottom-dweller. 

It had known success in the past, but wasn't a top league destination — not by a long shot. One thing the Spurs did have, however? Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich. 

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Popovich has always been a desirable coach to play for, though he hasn't always come across that way to non-players, which is why Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan took time to set the record straight, reflecting on his first season under the veteran coach.

"What [I learned last season] is just how cool he is," Sochan told USA TODAY FTW. "He’s a regular dude who loves basketball, loves to be around people and loves to shed his light on life and the game." 

High praise for just one season, but then again, that's Popovich. He's been known to impart wisdom on players and coaches alike — especially given that he's coached San Antonio since the 1996-97 season. He just might not show that same side of him to the outside media. 

"A lot of people think he is grumpy and mean and he doesn’t like people," Sochan explained. "But when you’re around him, it doesn’t seem like that. He’s a connector. He’s a legend ... "I think it’s a blessing to be around someone like that and learn from him." 

Sochan's improvement over the season was apparent. Coming from Baylor, Sochan entered the league with a knack for scoring, rebounding and defense. That somewhat translated onto the court, as the forward was able to notch some points and rebounds, but by the end of his season, Sochan was more efficient, a stronger rebounder and a better on-ball defender. 

But besides the on-court improvements, the 20-year-old is also improving under Popovich in a different way this offseason.

"I think my role might change a little bit," Sochan said. "I might be more of a leader. I’ll be playing with the ball a bit more and be that playmaker. I’m going to stay aggressive and be ready for more minutes and be ready to get beaten up a little bit." 

Being a leader is one thing. Earning the respect of your teammates is another thing entirely, but Sochan has plans to be the best version of himself next season to accomplish that, starting with his health.

"That was one thing that was really important for me," Sochan said. "I only played 56 games last season. The goal is to play 82. So I’m in the gym lifting and getting my body right."

So, Sochan's goals are set. He wants to remain healthy, be a leader and continue to improve under Popovich. The next step for him is now to achieve those — and when he hits the floor for the first game of the season in October, he'll look to do just that.

It’s going to be fun," Sochan said. "I’m excited. The energy in San Antonio right now is really high."