Gonzaga Basketball: “Slim Reaper” Chet Holmgren is off to a good start
This year’s number one recruit, Chet Holmgren, made his Gonzaga basketball debut on Tuesday. Holmgren showed everyone why he’s called the Slim Reaper.
Last season it was Jalen Suggs; this year, Chet Holmgren is the next great frosh sensation. Holmgren’s collegiate debut was phenomenal Tuesday night in a 97-63 win over Dixie State. Mark Few’s Gonzaga basketball program is quickly becoming a place where highly ranked freshman can display their talents.
Standing seven feet tall, Holmgren is a slight 190-pounds. He has long arms and good athleticism to defend and rebound. At the same time, Holmgren has a wicked outside shot. With the ability to block shots and bury three-pointers, it’s no wonder he’s called “The Slim Reaper” because he’s a killer to match up against.
A Good Start
Dixie State found that out first hand in the season opener, Tuesday night. Holmgren started in the frontcourt alongside Drew Timme against DSU. He proved to be every bit as good as potential NCAA Player of the Year, Timme.
The Slim Reaper made the most of his first Gonzaga opportunity, producing some impressive stats. He played 25:08, almost five minutes more than Timme, and had a double-double with 14 points and 13 boards. That’s not all; Holmen added seven blocks and six assists which was second only to Anton Watson‘s seven.
If there is one thing the freshman big man needs to work on, it’s his turnovers. He had a team-leading five on Tuesday.
Big test on tap
Gonzaga is the top-ranked team in the country, and they should soundly beat a low mid-major like Dixie State. The same can be said about the nation’s number one high school recruit, Holmgren. The opening game was an appetizer for Saturday’s main course against number five Texas. That’s when the Slim Reaper will introduce himself to the country in front of a national audience on ESPN.
Holmgren wasn’t the only Zag with an impressive debut. Iowa State transfer Rasir Bolton played 28 minutes, finishing with 15 points and three assists. Holmgren’s fellow 2021 McDonald’s High School All-American, Hunter Sallis, scored 9 points off the bench.
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