Chet Holmgren, the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2021, has officially committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga. His final list came down to Georgetown, Gonzaga, Memphis, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Ohio State. The NBA G League Ignite team was reportedly in play as well. Holmgren is a massive pickup for the Zags, especially considering that 247Sports has given him a perfect prospect score. The highly-anticipated announcement comes on the heels of Holmgren being awarded Mr. Basketball as the best player in his home state of Minnesota.
Scouts love Holmgren because of the versatile skillset he has for a seven-footer. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi wrote the following:
Chet Holmgren is one of the most unique prospects that I have evaluated in a long time. He is the greatest mismatch in the high school game because of his 3-point shooting ability, inside game and physical measurables. At 7’1″ with an enormous wingspan, Holmgren is a world-class shot blocker with exceptional instincts to protect the rim. Offensively, he displays uncommon versatility with his scoring prowess, ball handling, and lob-catching ability. His movements are fluid, mobile, and with great coordination and secure hands. He plays with an edge and is the favorite as the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Paul Biancardi, ESPN National Recruiting Director
Outlook for Gonzaga
Landing a potentially transcendent talent is a massive development for Mark Few and company. The Bulldogs were just in the National Championship game, and they will still be extremely dangerous next year. The expectation is that Drew Timme will be back, and Few has also secured the commitment of combo guard Hunter Sallis, the No. 6 overall player in the 2021 class. Despite losing Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert, Gonzaga will still be a top team next season. A frontcourt anchored by Timme and Holmgren will lead the way while Sallis bolsters the backcourt. It is believed that Andrew Nembhard will be back for Gonzaga at point guard as well.
Holmgren committing to Gonzaga certainly was not a surprise. Many saw the writing on the wall after former five-star Walker Kessler transferred to Auburn over Gonzaga, suggesting that the minutes in Spokane would be taken by a big-time player. If you were looking for Gonzaga to fall off after this past season, don’t get your hopes up.
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