A Look at Elite Center Chet Holmgren
By and large, the world was introduced to Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minn.) center Chet Holmgren last summer at the Stephen Curry Camp when he highlighted the extent of his versatility in one play.
Holmgren made Curry, the former NBA MVP, spin around after an ankle-breaking crossover while trying to guard him during a pick-up game and finished the play with a ferocious dunk.
That sums up everything that is special about Holmgren; he may be listed as a center, but his skill set makes him position-less.
At 7-feet, Holmgren has guard skills on the perimeter, and he’s capable of creating off the dribble from anywhere on the floor for himself or his teammates.
Holmgren played alongside All-American point guard Jalen Suggs this high school season and thrived in a versatile role as a three-level scorer, rebounder and shot blocker.
Holmgren is lean (only 175 pounds), but what he lacks in size he makes up for with his 7-4 wingspan. Holmgren competes on both ends of the floor and tends to raise his level of play as the game intensifies, getting more and more energized when players try and shut him down.
He brings out the full repertoire of his skill set to prevent that from happening.
Holmgren knocks down the perimeter jump shot efficiently and has great timing and patience on his blocked shots that keeps him out of foul trouble. He also changes shots and deflects passes to the interior, making him a complete threat on the defensive end. Holmgren is still growing into his frame and will organically add strength as he continues to play, but his skill set is what will make him an asset at the next level and beyond.
Minnesota, Washington, Gonzaga, Texas and Baylor, among many others remain in hot pursuit.