June 06--As left-hander Sammy Solis left the University of San Diego as a second-round pick of the Washington Nationals with a $1 million bonus in 2010, Chicago Cubs rookie star Kris Bryant was only on the verge of starting his freshman year with the Toreros.
But in less than five years, Bryant arguably has become the most prominent baseball alum of the program.
"He's like what Brian Matusz was to the program," said Solis, referring to Matusz, the fourth overall pick of the Baltimore Orioles in the 2008 draft. "A Golden Spikes (finalist). I think (Bryant) is a good ambassador for the school. And off the field, he's a quality guy.
"I know (Coach) Rich Hill speaks very highly of him. It's just cool seeing USD be put on the map more because we're a smaller school, but it's more of a baseball power house every year."
Although Solis, a left-hander currently on the disabled list with the Nationals, didn't play with Bryant at USD, they were teammates in the Arizona Fall League in 2013 and became friends quickly.
"I heard he was a fun teammate, and I got to experience that in the Fall League," Bryant said. "It's good to see him again."
Bryant will take a special interest in next week's draft since USD has two top prospects in shortstop Kyle Holder and pitcher David Hill, ranked 38th and 44th, respectively, by Baseball America.
"It's a perfect environment to learn and get better," Bryant said.
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