I remember reading a comment saying when all 2021 freshmen were on the floor one game, Podz, when compared to Luke and RJ, looked like he didn't really belong at the B10 level. I didn't agree; I thought, like most freshmen, Podz just needed time. Turned out him deciding to transfer was a genius move. I never thought he was NBA caliber but he proved all the doubters wrong. Just goes to show that the right program can do wonders for a player - and that you never truly know the potential of a player who's perfect fit is a mid-major (i.e. Steph Curry, Gordon Hayward). I mean, he went from scrub minutes for a major B10 program, to a mid-major all-conference his sophomore year and then 1st round NBA draft to a stellar rookie season -- and he plays like he belongs. Just a few years ago he was an incoming freshmen. Weren't his parents upset that he barely featured against Northwestern in 2022 when they were in attendance? Now look at him.
So what's Podz's true level? NBA. It feels odd to say this but his meteoric rise inspires me to do my best at everything I take interest in.