Candy Q&A: Chet Holmgren

Highlights:

• Candy Sweet Futures Drop 3 available until 7pm ET Thursday, March 24
• Chet Holmgren shares his take on the Candy Sweet Futures Basketball Collection, his first college basketball season, and his professional future

Candy Q&A with Chet Holmgren

Ever wondered what a potential No. 1 overall draft pick does off the court or before a big game? We connected with freshman sensation, Chet Holmgren to find out.

What does NIL mean to athletes and how are they approaching it?

“Behind the scenes, college players are definitely talking about NIL. I’d say it’s mostly within teams and friend groups across sports whether that's basketball, football, whatever. I know for a fact within our team we definitely talk about different opportunities that people have and different ways we can team up and create some opportunities for more than just one or two guys. I think that’s the beauty of NIL, you know, everyone gets an opportunity if it's done right, and that's what we try to do.”

What made you want to get involved with NFTs?

“I chose to get involved in NFTs because I saw a lot of cool things being done with them; a lot of high profile people getting into it. I didn’t really know what they were at first. But I did some research …found some stuff on the internet and read about them and thought they were pretty cool so I decided to get into them.”

Biggest adjustment from high school to college?

“I’d just say learning a whole new program really. Coming into a whole new situation with new coaching staff and new players around me. Just figuring out where you fit in and what the coach wants me to do within the team – how to be aggressive and successful within that.”

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

“I personally don't have many pre-game rituals or meals or anything. For the most part I just try and make sure to get some shots up, find my rhythm on the court. And then … whatever the team’s doing, whether that be walking through gameplans or watching film on the day of the game. Team meals is what we usually do here at Gonzaga. After that it's just listening to some music and really getting geared up for the game.”

Toughest place to play on the road this year?

“I wouldn’t say there’s a toughest road arena that I’ve had to play in so far. Road games in general in college basketball are not easy. Especially having the fans back, but that’s better than having empty gyms with Covid and stuff. So I’m just happy that we get to have fans, whether it's our fans or the another teams fans screaming at you and getting rowdy. You know, I’m just happy we have fans again.”

What can we expect to see from Gonzaga in March?

“Y'all can expect to see a whole lot, not only from myself but from Gonzaga basketball and [from the tournament]. You're gonna see a lot of winning basketball plays with some flash sprinkled in there for sure.”

Who would you want to play 1-on-1 against?

“If I could play 1-on-1 basketball with any player in the world, it would definitely have to be Michael Jordan. You know, just from watching him my whole time growing up playing basketball. I didn't get to watch him live, but you know, getting to look at his tape and see what he’s able to do. If I got to play him and kinda pick his brain on the game of basketball that would be a pretty cool opportunity.”

What was your experience with Team USA like?

“My experience winning the gold medal with the FIBA U19 USA Men’s Basketball team in the World Cup, you know, it was a great experience all the way from when I landed at tryouts to when I landed back here at Gonzaga after we won gold. There was nothing but great competition. Tryouts definitely wasn't easy. It was a week of the hardest basketball I’ve ever played. I’m glad I was able to earn a spot on that team because one through 12 on that roster was great basketball players. From there we were able to go to Latvia and win gold against some of the best players in the world, the best teams in the world from all different countries. It’s something I wouldn't trade for anything. Even though it was hard, we were in the bubble, we didn’t get to see a whole lot in Europe. We were just kind of over there, got to see a gym and hotel and that was about it. But like I said, I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

Best player you guarded in high school?

“Best player I had to guard in high school was definitely my guy Jalen - Jalen Suggs. He’s playing with Orlando now, but I grew up playing with him, ever since the third grade. I’ve been guarding him since then, in practice and pickup, you know, wherever we might be playing basketball. Definitely a tough cover for sure. He’s a hell of a player and it's a lot of fun to go up against him for sure.”

What do you like to do off the court?

“When I get some time to myself … I love to play video games. It's a good little escape from things, get your mind off things. I definitely find it enjoyable. Especially when I'm on there with the guys, definitely some funny team chats on the game for sure. And I love to hangout with my guys off the court too. Whatever it might be, whether we're just getting food or something, it's always a good time with my friends.”

What do you like to eat?

“Speaking of food, I like to cook too. I really like to eat. But you know, sometimes, if you want to eat something you gotta cook it. I’m a decent chef, I can throw down a little bit but I love food for sure.”