Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren's stock continues to rise

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Chet Holmgren has heard the chant a few times this season from opposing fans: "Over-rated!"

The lanky 7-foot freshman always has an answer, usually in the form of a thunderous dunk, 3-pointer or swatted shot into the stands.

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"You hear it, but at the same time you're pretty locked in," Holmgren said after finishing with 21 points, 15 rebounds and six blocked shots in a recent win over San Francisco.

A highly touted prospect when he arrived in Spokane, Washington, Holmgren didn't dominate as expected early in his freshman season. Wanting to fit into Gonzaga's team-oriented game, he often deferred to teammates, occasionally at the expense of passing up a good shot.

As the season has progressed, so has Holmgren's assertiveness. He's dominated at times, showing off the rare skill set that has him projected to be among the top three picks in the next NBA draft, possibly No. 1.

"He is just very, very skilled," San Diego coach Sam Scholl said. "He has a tremendous feel. He is physical. He is not afraid to bang."

Though just 195 pounds, Holmgren holds his own in the paint against heavier players and uses his long wing span to swat away and change shots at the rim. He finished the regular season with 3.59 blocked shots per game, fourth nationally.

Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren (34) shoots against San Francisco forward Josh Kunen, left, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in San Francisco, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

But what sets Holmgren apart is his skill set, which is more like a guard's than a 7-footer. He's an excellent perimeter shooter — 44%