The highly anticipated announcement was made today, as USA Basketball unveiled that Chet Holmgren, the talented forward/center for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has been selected to the player pool for the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team. This announcement was made public by none other than USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director Grant Hill himself.
It has been an exciting journey for Holmgren, who was previously named to the 2023 USA Basketball Men’s Select team. Prior to joining the Thunder as the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, he showcased his skills by helping lead the 2021 U19 National Team to a flawless 7-0 record and securing a gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia. During this impressive run, he consistently scored in double figures and even set a tournament record with an impressive 19 blocked shots.
Having played 42 games this season with the Thunder, Holmgren has certainly made his mark. He currently boasts an average of 17.3 points on 54.9% shooting, in addition to 7.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, earning him the 5th spot in the NBA for blocks. Holmgren has also achieved the remarkable feat of recording 4+ blocks in 10 games this season, a performance that hasn’t been seen since Tim Duncan. In fact, he even followed in Duncan’s footsteps by becoming the first rookie to score 7+ blocks in consecutive games. These outstanding accomplishments led to him receiving the Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for games played in October/November and December.
The 2024 USA Men’s National Team, which will be comprised of players from the player pool, will consist of 12 members who will proudly represent the United States at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris. The specific team members will be announced at a later date, so the excitement continues to build as the world eagerly awaits to see who will be representing the nation on the global stage. With an impressive track record and a promising future, Holmgren’s inclusion in the player pool has undoubtedly raised the bar for the competition.
This selection serves as a testament to Holmgren’s undeniable talent and dedication to the sport, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make waves in the world of basketball. As the Olympic Games draw nearer, the anticipation peaks, and fans can only wait with bated breath to witness the incredible display of skill and sportsmanship that awaits us in Paris. With his stellar performance and unwavering commitment, Chet Holmgren is undoubtedly one to watch as he takes the next step in his promising career.