The nation's top-rated junior Chet Holmgren talks recruitment, outlines commitment date
Two years ago I first watched Minnesota native Chet Holmgren play. My first thoughts were the same as many, tall and lanky prospect and how he can get his body right for the next level.
Now, present-day, Holmgren despite not being the strongest player on the floor is usually one of the most talented. He’s highly-regarded as one of the best shot-blockers in the country regardless of class. He helped lead Minnehaha Academy to a 26-3 record which included perhaps the game of the year in their matchup with Sierra Canyon, in which they won 78-58 in front of 17,000 fans.
Holmgren was once one of the smaller players on the court. As an eighth-grader, he only stood at about 6-foot-2 and would eventually grow six inches to 6-foot-8. Now, he’s a seven-footer but is looking to add weight to have him quicker and stronger for the next level and his next destination.
What are those possible destinations?
He recently cut his list to seven programs. The list included: Minnesota, Michigan, Gonzaga, Ohio State, Georgetown, Memphis, and North Carolina.
“My final list of seven was extremely hard to get to with all the great schools recruiting me but it came mostly down to which schools I could see myself being successful and improving as a player, person, and student at.”
As of now, he has only taken two official visits: Gonzaga and Ohio State. In addition, he’s visited Minnesota several times of the unofficial capacity as he lives close to the school
He was very positive about his visit to Gonzaga pointing out the atmosphere at the ‘Kraziness in the Kennel’ event which took place on October 5th of 2019. Holmgren’s close friend as well as teammate [AAU and school], Jalen Suggs, is signed with Gonzaga and has been very vocal at getting his running mate to Spokane.
Ohio State’s official visit with Holmgren also went very well. He didn’t get to watch a basketball game but he witnessed one of the nation’s top football programs hit the field on September 21st of 2019 when he was on campus. Chris Holtmann offered over one year ago and has been making a major push since.
Obviously the current favorite is the Minnesota Gophers. The hometown program has been involved for more than two years and an official visit isn’t needed as he has grown up around the school and his father, Dave, played for the Gophers from 1984-88 and still has significant ties to the program.
Commitment Timeline?
“So much can change so fast so I am in no rush to commit and I will try to take my visits if allowed by the NCAA. As well as seeing what happens with other commitments and transfers before committing so I’ll probably commit around early spring of 2021.”
Many have wondered and asked if due to COVID-19 and no AAU basketball if a possible reclass from Holmgren is possible. His answer? No.
“At this time reclassing is not an option I am looking into and I will stay in the class of 2021.”
In addition, we talked about the G-League route and Holmgren said that he doesn’t know enough about it to rule the option out, but, he says his focus remains on his recruitment and going to college.