SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren has declared for the NBA Draft he announced Thursday.
 
"There's no place like Gonzaga," Holmgren said. "It's always been my dream to play in the NBA. Growing up, I was fortunate to have the most incredible basketball trainers, AAU coaches and high school coaches that gave their all to help me work towards that dram, and I can't thank them enough. I'm also blessed to have an amazing family that's supported me and instilled in me a work ethic that's taken me on an incredible basketball journey, one that was made even more special this year as our family was welcomed into an even bigger one, Zag Nation.
 
"Since the day I arrived in Spokane and stepped onto the Gonzaga campus, you all have been the best family anyone could ask for. This year, I've grown so much as a player and person from the experiences we've shared as I represented the Bulldogs on and off the court. I've developed relationships that will last forever, and I've had the time of my life!
 
"Thank you to Coach Few and the entire coaching staff for your belief in me and for your commitment to making me a better player and person. The lessons I've learned from you, I will carry with me forever, and I'm so grateful for the countless hours you poured into supporting me and helping me take my game to the next level.
 
"To my Zags, my teammates, getting to put on the jersey and play with you was incredible. We went through so much this season, and it is something I will always be grateful for. I couldn't have asked for a better group to be around. You made me better every single day.
 
"To the fans and the Kennel Club, thank you for being the loudest and most supportive fans in basketball, and creating the best atmosphere to play in. You make our program what it is! To all of you, coaches, teammates, fans, our entire Zag Nation family, I can't thank you enough.
 
"As I take the next step towards my dream and declare for the 2022 NBA Draft, I do so with so much gratitude for all that you've done to get me here. I will always represent Gonzaga and do my best to make you proud. As I continue to grind and work as hard as I can, I know you'll have my back along the way. Thank you for all your love and support. Let's do this!"
 
Holmgren was named to the Wooden All-American Team, Second Team All-American by Sporting News and the Associated Press, and third team by the NABC and USBWA.
 
Holmgren was named a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year after he tied the program record and West Coast Conference record for most blocks in a single season at 117. Former Zag Brandon Clarke also blocked 117 shots in the 2018-19 season. Holmgren is fourth in the nation with 117 blocks and fourth averaging 3.66 blocks per game. He also tied the West Coast Conference record averaging 3.7 blocks per league game, matching Hondre Brewer's mark in 2002. Holmgren ranks sixth for most blocks in a career in program history. The Minneapolis native had more blocks (117) than missed shots from the field (110) this season.
 
Holmgren led the conference grabbing 9.9 rebounds per game, which was 18th in the country. He was eighth in the nation pulling down 8.12 defensive boards per outing. Holmgren was 10th in the WCC averaging 14.1 points per game. He was 12th in the country shooting 60.7 percent from the field, which led the WCC. The freshman was second in the nation making 73.7 percent inside-the-arc. Holmgren was named the WCC Newcomer and Defensive Player of the Year and is a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.
 
Holmgren helped guide Gonzaga to its seventh straight Sweet 16 and a 28-4 record. The Zags won the West Coast Conference regular season title for the 10^th straight season, and WCC Tournament title for the third straight time.