Talking Zags: Chet Holmgren is an 'easy pick' to win NBA Rookie of the Year

Former Bulldogs guard believes Holmgren benefitted from missing last season much like McClellan did during his redshirt season at Gonzaga

Plenty of talented big men have come through the Gonzaga men's basketball program — or as Eric McClellan likes to call it, "Big U" as a nod toward the skilled forwards and centers who have gone on to have lengthy NBA careers.

McClellan, who suited up for Gonzaga from 2014-2016, had the experience of playing alongside a future All-NBA player in Domantas Sabonis. Mark Few has welcomed an abundance of big men since, from Killian Tillie to Zach Collins and most recently, Chet Holmgren. The 7-foot-1 post missed all of last season with a foot injury, but since his official NBA debut, he's been one of the most efficient rim-protecting, shot-making, do-it-all stretch centers in the league.

Holmgren recently emerged as the betting frontrunner to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, though McClellan was ahead of the sportsbooks on that one, as he picked Holmgren to take home the honor before the season started. 

McClellan broke down how Holmgren's year off was beneficial to his development on a new episode of Talking Zags with Dan Dickau and Adam Morrison.

Produced by Thomas Gallagher.

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