Chet Holmgren Reveals How Jalen Suggs Impacted His Decision to Join the Gonzaga Bulldogs

Published 04/20/2021, 9:12 AM EDT

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Chet Holmgren is going to officially be a Gonzaga Bulldog. The 7-footer from Minnesota is the top-ranked high school recruit in the country and will be making the transition to the team that was one game away from being the first undefeated NCAA Champion in almost 50 years. While they are losing the likes of Jalen Suggs, he may have helped them get their future.

Holmgren and Suggs played together for the Minnehaha Academy in Minnesota. The center has revealed the impact that Suggs had in his decision to go to Gonzaga and whether or not he fits into the team.

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“There are a lot of different factors. With how close I am to Jalen and him going there, definitely what played a part in it. Being able to speak to someone who I have spoken to for so long and trust about it. It’s definitely a big part.

“But also how I see myself fitting in, not only with the coaches, but the players and the system. But being able to look back and see past people with a skill set of mine. How they use them, how they adjust every single year. It was a pretty hard offer not to take up.”

Chet Holmgren: Did he make the right call?

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Holmgren picked the Bulldogs over blue-bloods like Michigan, UNC, and Duke. There were many other colleges after him, but he ultimately chose the Bulldogs for the familiarity of Suggs having played there.

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The decision cannot be faulted either, as the Bulldogs are looking to be the favorites heading into next season. With Drew Timme all but confirmed to return for another season, along with Hunter Sallis and Holmgren as 5-star recruits, this team could be special next season. Andrew Hembard will also still be with the team.

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Considering the benefits Suggs reaped from the Bulldogs, there is no reason for anyone to doubt what they would do for Holmgren. While he will have to share the front-court with Drew Timme, Holmgren is more than capable of holding his own, learning under Mark Few, and re-establishing Gonzaga as genuine title contenders.

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Written by:

Ishaan Bhattacharya

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Ishaan Bhattacharya is an NBA, NCAA Basketball, and Combat Sports writer at EssentiallySports. Currently, Ishaan is pursuing a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism from Xavier's Institute of Communication. Previously, Ishaan has written for The Indian Express, The Quint, Sportskeeda, and WrestleClub.
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