Before he was an NBA Rookie of the Year candidate, Chet Holmgren was one of the best high school players in the country. And he will be greatly remembered along with his teammates.
Holmgren, who was a major contributor to the Thunder's success this season, had his high school jersey retired on Friday to fully cap his illustrious career at Minnehaha Academy, with many of his Thunder colleagues in attendance.
The timing of the ceremony coincided with the team's trip to Minnesota, where the Thunder will play the Timberwolves on Saturday.
The 7-foot-1 big man spent four seasons at Minnehaha Academy before becoming the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after a standout season at Gonzaga.
Holmgren led his team to four state titles and also earned numerous honors including Mr. Basketball USA, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and was named a McDonald's All-American.
At the retirement ceremony for No. 34, many Thunder teammates gathered in the gym to take photos with the star on the court.
“I don't have too many words for you guys,” Holmgren said during a ceremony before a game between his alma mater and Providence Academy. According to CBS Sports. “I don't want to let these two teams play for much longer. I want to express my gratitude to everyone. I'm going around trying to say hello to everyone, but I probably won't be able to go to everyone, so I'm going to be what I am now. This is my chance to say thank you to everyone who made this possible for me.”
Holmgren, a rookie with the Thunder who is second in the Western Conference with a 28-13 record midway through the season, is considered a top candidate for Rookie of the Year along with the Spurs' Victor Wembaneyama, who was selected No. 1 overall in 2023. ing.
Holmgren is averaging 17.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from 3-point range.
