Chet Holmgren, who spent one college season at Gonzaga after a standout high school career at Minnehaha Academy, was the second choice in the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday night in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The 7-foot center, whose all-around game includes deadly three-point shooting and point guard level ball handling, was chosen by the Oklahoma City Thunder one pick after the Orlando Magic made Duke freshman forward Paolo Banchero the No. 1 overall choice.
Holmgren is the highest drafted Minnesotan in NBA history; Hibbing's Kevin McHale, a Gophers forward, was No. 3 overall in 1980.
"It's a mix of emotions, probably a thousand emotions, all good ones," Holmgren said. "I don't really have words to describe them, but I'm so blessed and grateful to be able to be here. I'm ready to compete. I'm ready to go play."
There had been the possibility of Holmgren reuniting with high school teammate and good friend Jalen Suggs, who was the fifth overall pick last season and had a strong rookie year with the Magic.
Instead, Orlando went with the 6-10 Banchero, the ACC rookie of the year. Holmgren was next, with Oklahoma City banking on his unique "unicorn" status as a player whose position isn't easily defined. At 195 pounds, he'll need to get stronger, but his defense and shot blocking are strengths.
"It will be special to share the court with Jalen again," Holmgren said. "Obviously, we won't be wearing the same jersey, but to share the court with him would be special and to compete with him."
Another Minnesotan, David Roddy, was the 23rd overall pick, by Philadelphia, but will go to Memphis in a trade. The former Breck standout is a 6-6 forward who played at Colorado State.
