NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 2021 5-star C Chet Holmgren’s top 7 schools
By Ian Mumm
Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Gophers have been consistently mentioned throughout the 5-star’s recruitment. A large part of that is due to Minnesota being the hometown team. However, head coach Richard Pitino has consistently signed top-50 classes since he arrived at the program. The team has just not been able to replicate those results on the floor, with only two NCAA Tournament appearances in his 7-year tenure at the school.
The addition of Holmgren to Minnesota’s roster would not only make him the highest recruit ever signed by the program, but his impact on and off the floor would place the Gophers on a whole new trajectory. Forwards and centers recently succeeding at Minnesota have been of the more traditional variety. Holmgren would bring a refreshing aspect to the position and elevate the play of his teammates.
His ability to shoot the ball all over the floor will help to buoy Pitino’s offense and draw the Big Ten’s physical centers to the perimeter. While the offensive system will still run through the team’s best talent, 2020 guard Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Holmgren, the two can create a tenacious attack to challenge defenses. Gopher fans would expect to see a lot more pick-and-pop opportunities between the pair, but there will also be just as much opportunity to slip or deny screens to attack downhill.
On the defensive end, Holmgren will provide a lot of lineup versatility for Pitino. At both Minnehaha and Grassroots Sizzle the rangy center was able to effectively guard multiple positions and provide defensive help. He is very impactful as a downhill blocker in this situation and can help boost the team’s win total by shutting down opponents throughout the game.
While Pitino has been able to secure a 4-star recruit or two in nearly every class, Holmgren would provide plenty of incentive for other players considering the program to join as well. It could help Minnesota make a conference title push.