Chet Thomas Holmgren, born on May 1, 2002, is a prominent American professional basketball player currently affiliated with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Holmgren previously showcased his skills on the college stage with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 m), he adeptly maneuvers the center and power forward positions.
Holmgren, hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, emerged from a basketball-centric upbringing guided by his father, Dave Holmgren, a former 7-foot-tall college player at the University of Minnesota. Joining Minnehaha Academy at the age of 11, he, standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), forged a lasting partnership with Jalen Suggs. During his formative years, Holmgren refined his shooting prowess while recovering from a broken right wrist, steadily growing to 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) by ninth grade.
In high school, Holmgren’s impact was undeniable. As a freshman, he contributed 6.2 points and three rebounds per game, securing his team’s second consecutive Class 2A state championship. His sophomore season witnessed a substantial leap, averaging 18.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, leading to another state title. Notably, Holmgren gained national attention for crossing over NBA star Stephen Curry at Curry’s SC30 Select Camp in August 2019.
Holmgren’s junior season further solidified his status as a rising star. Recording an impressive performance with nine points, 10 rebounds, and 12 blocks in a nationally televised victory over Sierra Canyon School, he averaged 14.3 points per game, guiding Minnehaha to a 25–3 record. The culmination of his high school career in senior year featured an outstanding average of 21 points and 12.3 rebounds, culminating in his fourth state championship at Minnehaha and numerous accolades, including Mr. Basketball USA and Gatorade National Player of the Year.
His recruiting journey reflected his ascent, with Holmgren securing approximately 30 scholarship offers by his junior season. Following the reclassification of Jonathan Kuminga in June 2020, Holmgren claimed the top spot in the 2021 class rankings. Committing to Gonzaga on April 19, 2021, he joined forces with former high school teammate Jalen Suggs.
Holmgren’s impact extended to the college scene, making a resounding debut with 14 points, 13 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 6 assists in a victory over Dixie State. Concluding the regular season, he earned West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. His freshman-year averages included 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. Opting for the NBA draft on April 21, 2022, Holmgren declared his departure from college basketball.
Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder as the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Holmgren marked historical significance as the highest-drafted pick from Gonzaga and the state of Minnesota. Despite a Lisfranc injury sidelining him for the 2022–23 NBA season, Holmgren showcased his prowess in his regular-season debut on October 25, 2023, contributing 11 points and four rebounds. Notably, he broke franchise records with notable performances, including a 16-point, 13-rebound, seven-block game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Internationally, Holmgren represented the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, earning a gold medal and MVP honors with averages of 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game.
Renowned for his versatility, Holmgren, listed as a center, displays guard-like skills in movement, handling, shooting, and jumping. His 7-foot-6-inch (2.29 m) wingspan enhances his exceptional blocking and rebounding capabilities. Off the court, Holmgren’s familial connections run deep, with his father, Dave, having played college basketball for Minnesota, and two sisters rounding out his family.
Chet Thomas Holmgren’s basketball journey is characterized by a relentless ascent from his early years in Minneapolis to becoming a notable force in college and professional basketball, showcasing versatility, skill, and resilience on and off the court.
