Julian Strawther: From College Standout to NBA Prospect
Julian Lee Strawther-Cordero, born on April 18, 2002, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Denver Nuggets of the NBA. Strawther's journey to the NBA is marked by impressive high school accolades, a solid college career at Gonzaga University, and international experience representing Puerto Rico.
High School Career
Strawther established himself as a dominant force during his high school years at Liberty High School. He became the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,252 points and rebounder with 839 rebounds. In his senior year, he averaged 31.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. His outstanding performance earned him First Team All-State honors in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He was also named Southeast League Co-MVP in his senior season. Notably, Strawther broke the HoopHall Classic's all-time scoring record with a remarkable 51-point game in December 2019. A McDonald's All-American Game nominee, he concluded his high school career ranked sixth all-time in scoring and fourth in rebounding in the Nevada 4A record books. Strawther was highly regarded as a prospect, ranked No. 63 in 247 Sports' ratings.
College Career at Gonzaga
Strawther played three seasons at Gonzaga, appearing in 94 games (68 starts), averaging 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 23.4 minutes.
Freshman Year (2020-21)
During his freshman year at Gonzaga, Strawther served as a backup to Corey Kispert, averaging 3.4 points per game. Despite limited playing time, he contributed to the team's success as they reached the national championship game.
Sophomore Year (2021-22)
Strawther's role expanded significantly in his sophomore year. He started in 31 of 32 games, playing a total of 861 minutes. He averaged 11.8 points per game with a field goal percentage of 49.8% and a three-point percentage of 36.5%. His highest score was 20 points against BYU. He was the third-highest rebounder on the team with 172 rebounds, averaging 5.4 per game, including a season-high of 12 rebounds against Tarleton St. His performance earned him a WCC Honorable Mention selection.
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Junior Year (2022-23)
In his junior year, Strawther played in all 37 games, starting each one. He averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 31.2 minutes per game. He had 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals in 36 minutes against one of the teams. He earned several accolades, including being named to the 2023 USBWA All-District Team (IX), 2023 NABC All-District (9) Second Team, 2023 WCC All-Conference First Team, and 2023 WCC All-Tournament Team. He was also recognized as the WCC Player of the Week on January 30, 2023.
NBA Career
Strawther was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft but was then traded to the Denver Nuggets. He later signed with the Nuggets on July 6, 2023.
Rookie Season (2023-24)
During his rookie season, Strawther appeared in 50 games, averaging 4.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes. He scored a career-high 22 points (8-16 FG, 6-11 3FG) along with one rebound, two assists, and five steals against Atlanta on December 11, marking career highs in points, minutes, and steals. In another game, he posted 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-9 3FG), two rebounds, and one assist in 19 minutes.
International Career
While a native of Las Vegas, Strawther represents Puerto Rico at the international level due to his mother's Puerto Rican ancestry. He played for Puerto Rico at the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, where he averaged 22 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, helping his team finish in sixth place.
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