Julian Lee Strawther, born on April 18, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a rising star in the basketball world. With Puerto Rican-American heritage, Strawther has showcased his prowess both on the national and international stages.
Currently, he plays as a small forward for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. Before making his mark in the professional league, he had an impressive stint with the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the West Coast Conference (WCC). His journey from a high school prodigy to an NBA professional is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
Julian Strawther – Early Life
Julian Strawther was born on April 18, 2002, in the bustling city of Las Vegas, Nevada. From a young age, basketball played a significant role in his life. His Puerto Rican-American heritage added a unique dimension to his identity, allowing him to connect with a broader community both on and off the court.
Tragically, when Julian was just nine years old, he faced the heart-wrenching loss of his mother, Lourdes, to breast cancer. This adversity undoubtedly shaped his character, instilling resilience and determination that would later become evident in his basketball journey.
Julian Strawther – High School Career
Strawther’s high school basketball journey began at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada. Even as a junior, he made waves in the basketball community, averaging an impressive 27.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. His senior season saw even more growth, with averages of 31.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning him the Southeast League co-MVP honors.
One of the standout moments of his high school career was when he set an event record by scoring 51 points against Apollo High School at the HoopHall West Invitational. By the time he graduated, Julian had etched his name as Liberty High School’s all-time leader in points and rebounds.
His exceptional skills on the court made him a consensus four-star recruit, drawing attention from several top-tier colleges. After considering offers from Marquette, Florida, and UNLV, Strawther committed to Gonzaga, setting the stage for the next chapter in his basketball journey.
Julian Strawther – College Commitment
Julian Strawther’s tenure at Gonzaga University was marked by consistent growth and impressive performances. Joining the Zags in his freshman year (2020-21), Strawther made appearances in 25 games, dedicating 189 minutes on the court. He showcased his scoring ability with a season-high of 12 points against Portland and maintained commendable statistics, including a 51.7% field goal percentage and a 32.1% accuracy from beyond the arc.
In his sophomore season (2021-22), Strawther’s role expanded significantly. He was a starting player in 31 of the 32 games, logging 861 minutes. Averaging 11.8 points per game, he demonstrated his shooting prowess with a 49.8% field goal accuracy and a 36.5% three-point shooting rate. His standout performance that season was a 20-point game against BYU.
Additionally, he emerged as a key rebounder for the team, pulling down an average of 5.4 rebounds per game, with a season-best of 12 rebounds against Tarleton St. His major achievements during college include:
- All-WCC First Team Selection
- WCC Player of the Week Award
- Julius Erving Award Finalist
- USBWA and NABC All-District Recognition
- Career-High 40 Points against Portland
Strawther’s junior year (2022-23) was a testament to his evolving skills and dedication. He received numerous accolades, including an All-WCC First Team selection, WCC Player of the Week honors, and nominations for the Julius Erving Award.
He was also recognized by the USBWA and NABC All-District. Throughout the season, Strawther was a consistent starter, playing a total of 1,155 minutes. He led the team with 80 three-pointers and was a defensive stalwart with 203 rebounds. His scoring prowess was on full display when he dropped a career-high 40 points against Portland, solidifying his reputation as a key player for the Zags.
Julian Strawther – NBA Draft
He was first selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 29th pick but ultimately ended up being traded to the Denver Nuggets. Recognized for his clutch performances during his time with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Strawther, a sharpshooter from Las Vegas, has consistently demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments.
His standout performances against teams like BYU during the regular season and UCLA in the Sweet 16 are testament to his readiness for the big stage. With a playing style that always ensures he’s set and facing the rim when it matters the most, Strawther’s addition to the Nuggets is seen as a perfect blend of a high-level college talent meeting an NBA franchise on the rise.
The Denver front office clearly recognized the potential in Strawther, molded by the Gonzaga program, to further elevate their team and prove any doubters wrong. This new chapter in Strawther’s basketball journey promises exciting times ahead for both him and the Nuggets’ fans.
Julian Strawther – NBA Journey and Future
Julian Strawther’s transition to the NBA, joining the Denver Nuggets, marks the beginning of a promising professional journey. As the 29th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, expectations are high for this Gonzaga standout. With the Nuggets, a team that recently tasted championship success, Strawther is poised to contribute significantly, leveraging his college experience and clutch performances.
The NBA offers a different level of competition, and it will be intriguing to see how Julian adapts and evolves his game. Given his track record and the faith shown in him by the Nuggets’ management, the future looks bright for Strawther in the NBA.
Julian Strawther – National Team
While Julian Strawther’s achievements at the college level and his budding NBA career have garnered significant attention, his contributions to the national team are also noteworthy. Representing one’s country is a unique honor, and Strawther’s potential involvement in future international tournaments could further solidify his reputation as a top-tier basketball talent. As his career progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he performs on the global stage, representing both his heritage and basketball prowess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will Julian Strawther get paid?
While the exact figures of Julian Strawther’s contract with the Denver Nuggets have not been publicly disclosed, NBA rookies typically have a set salary scale based on their draft position. As the 29th pick, Strawther’s salary will be determined by the NBA’s rookie wage scale for that draft position.
How good is Julian Strawther?
Julian Strawther is highly regarded for his basketball skills and has showcased his talent consistently during his time with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. His selection in the NBA Draft and his standout performances in college are testament to his abilities on the basketball court. He is expected to make a significant impact in the NBA.
Sources
1. gozags.com – Julian Strawther – Men’s Basketball
2. wikipedia.org – Julian Strawther
3. basketball.realgm.com – Julian Strawther Player Profile, Gonzaga
4. 247sports.com – Julian Strawther, Gonzaga, Shooting Guard
5. nba.com – Julian Strawther – NBA 2023 Draft Prospects
