You may know Chet Holmgren as just another tall guy playing basketball, but the reality is that he’s one of the most interesting young talents in the NBA today. With his 7-foot frame and guard-like skills, he’s built quite an impressive status in every sense. Sure, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams might be in the spotlight in OKC. But don’t get it mistaken – Chet’s one of the best two-way players in the league.

What makes Chet even more interesting is what lies beyond the stat sheet, his roots, his upbringing, and the background that helped shape his journey to the league. And his background in itself is worthy of a read. So why don’t do just that?

Where is Chet Holmgren from? What’s his nationality?

Chet was born on May 1, 2002, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He’s American, through and through. His parents, Dave Holmgren and Sarah Harris, are both U.S. citizens. The OKC Thunder star grew up in Minnesota, played his high school ball there, and stayed close to home until heading to Gonzaga for college.

Still, fans occasionally wonder about his ethnicity or whether he has international ties. That’s mostly due to his unique appearance and the way he breaks the mold of the “typical” NBA player. But there’s no mystery around his nationality; Chet is fully American. He’s represented Team USA on the international stage and has spent his entire life playing within the U.S. system.

In a league that thrives on global talent, Chet’s story is rooted right here at home. He’s a product of American basketball, from cold Minnesota gyms to the bright lights of the NBA. Whether it’s the jersey he wears or the style he brings to the court, there’s no second-guessing where he’s from. So, Chet Holmgren isn’t just repping a team, he’s repping a country. And he’s doing it in his own way. Okay, so now with that, it’s time to explore something that we know you are curious to know, his ethnicity and religion.

What is Chet Holmgren’s ethnicity?

Chet Holmgren comes from a white Caucasian background. That makes his ethnicity Caucasian-American. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he grew up in a family that kept things simple, real, and close-knit.

His dad, Dave Holmgren, is a former college basketball player. He played for the University of Minnesota in the mid-’80s. It’s clear where Chet got his love for the game and maybe some of that height, too. Dave stands at 7 feet tall. Chet’s mom, Sarah Harris, stays more out of the spotlight. There’s not much public info about her profession, but she’s been there through the whole ride.

His father always believed that the Thunder star was special, and he remembers seeing something in his son around fourth or fifth grade. “He started doing guard stuff, and it looked natural,” Dave said. He told Sarah, but she didn’t buy it at first. “I kept rolling my eyes,” she said. “Of course, you’re going to say that — you’re his dad!”

What is Chet Holmgren’s religion?

Turns out, he was right. And he’s still as confident as ever. “Just wait,” he said recently. “You’re going to see something way different than what you saw in college.” Chet’s family also includes two sisters, Claire, the older one, and Alexandra, the youngest. Alexandra’s an athlete too. She played volleyball for Hopkins High School and later for Minnesota Select. Sports clearly run in the blood.

Now, talking about his religion, Chet Holmgren is a Christian. It’s not something he talks about often in the media, but that’s what’s known publicly. Like his personality, he seems to keep his faith low-key but steady.

So, to sum it up, Chet’s a Caucasian-American and Christian. A quiet but focused guy, raised in a humble Midwest home, with a family that saw his potential long before the world did. But you know what, as interesting as his roots are, his college career is just the same. So, it deserves to be looked at.

Which high school did Chet Holmgren attend?

Chet Holmgren’s high school story starts at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis. As a freshman, he was still figuring things out. Tall, lanky, quiet. He averaged just over six points and three rebounds per game. Nothing crazy. But the flashes were there, and so was the winning. Minnehaha took home the Class 2A state title that year, their second straight.

Then came his sophomore season, and things started clicking. He jumped to 18.6 points and 11 rebounds a game. Another state title followed. Chet wasn’t just growing into his body; he was growing into his game.

Dec 8, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY SportsHis junior year was a different kind of test. On January 4, 2020, Minnehaha played Sierra Canyon, a powerhouse squad with Bronny James, Ziaire Williams, and Brandon Boston Jr. National TV. Big stage. Chet put up nine points, 10 boards, and 12 blocks. Statement made. That season, he averaged 14.3 points and helped his team to a 25–3 record. The buzz only got louder. People weren’t just calling him “promising” anymore. They were calling him the best.

Senior year, he sealed it. 21 points. 12.3 rebounds a night. A fourth state championship. Awards followed like clockwork: Gatorade Player of the Year, Mr. Basketball USA, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and more. The major honors you could win in high school basketball are what he took. By the time he graduated, Chet Holmgren wasn’t just the top-ranked player in the country. He was a four-time state champ, a viral name, and one of the most unique prospects the game had seen in years.