SAN ANTONIO — Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley were added to the Spurs family in the 2022 NBA Draft, and for each player, the word family meant something different in their basketball journey.

For Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick on draft night, family meant tough love from his first basketball coach. 

“I could never call her mom on the court. I would get in trouble a little bit,” Sochan said. 

Jeremy’s mom, Aneta, was his basketball foundation. She played collegiately at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. 

“I learned a lot from her, just being cheeky. That defense, that comes from her,” Sochan said. “She’ll tell me that every game.”

Aneta Sochan said she’s excited her son got drafted into the Spurs organization.

“People are very important for us,” Aneta said. “We’ve already talked to some people here. They’re going to take good care of him.”

For No. 20 overall pick Malaki Branham, family meant a grandma who helped raise him.

“My grandmother means a lot to me, and my family does too,” Branham said. “Just the stuff they instilled in me. Being humble, waiting your turn, just being on your own path, that’s made me who I am today.”

Branham’s grandma, Luzon, has rarely missed one of Malaki’s game, whether it was in high school or college. She said she plans to attend as many as she can in San Antonio. 

“That was his first question that he asked, ‘Mama, wherever I go are you coming?’ I said, you know I’ll be there. I’m retired,” Luzon Branham said.

For the Spurs' final draft pick, Blake Wesley, family meant carrying on his dad’s basketball legacy. 

“My dad taught me the game, taught me a lot,” Wesley said. “Taught me how to be a great all-around player. Rebound, defend and just work hard.”

Derrick Wesley Sr. was a two-time team MVP for Ball State University in the 1980s, playing for legendary coach Rick Majerus. 

“I had a head up in the game of life because of my parents, and I wanted to have that same foundation for Blake,” Derrick said. “We’re very comfortable with him being here, and we’re just looking forward to all the great things that are gonna happen in the future.”

A future with their new Spurs family members.