Dave Holmgren: 5 Fascinating Facts About The Viral 'Camcorder Dad' And His Secret Influence On An NBA Star

The name Dave Holmgren currently pops up in search results for two very different, yet equally influential, figures: a towering former college basketball player and the co-originator of a global ecological design movement. This article focuses primarily on the man who has recently captured the public's curiosity: Dave Holmgren, the father of NBA star Chet Holmgren, whose unique presence courtside went viral.

As of December 12, 2025, the story of Dave Holmgren is a blend of sports history, dedicated fatherhood, and viral internet fame. While his son, Chet, makes headlines with his professional career, Dave's own journey from a 7-foot center for the Minnesota Golden Gophers to a devoted "Camcorder Dad" offers a fascinating look at the foundation of an elite athlete's success.

The Biography of Dave Holmgren: From Gopher Center to Viral NBA Dad

Dave Holmgren, the father of Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, is a former collegiate athlete who played a pivotal role in shaping his son's basketball trajectory. His own experience on the court provides a unique context to his dedicated fatherhood and coaching influence.

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• Full Name: David "Dave" Holmgren
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Sarah Harris
• Child: Chet Holmgren (NBA Player)
• College Position: Center
• Height: 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)
• College Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers (Men's Basketball)
• College Career: Played for the Gophers from the 1984-85 season through the 1987-88 season.
• Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota (where his son Chet was also born).
• Current Status: Known primarily as a major influence and supportive parent in Chet Holmgren's professional basketball career.

Holmgren’s own collegiate career, while not star-studded, provided him with the deep understanding of the game that he would later pass on to his son. As a 7-foot center for the Gophers, he gained firsthand knowledge of the demands and intricacies of high-level basketball.

His senior year, the 1987-88 season, saw him contribute to the team as a seasoned veteran, though his official stats were modest, averaging around 1.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per game. This experience, however, was foundational.

The Viral Fame of the Camcorder Dad and His Influence on Chet Holmgren

Dave Holmgren stepped into the national spotlight not for his own athletic prowess, but for his unwavering dedication to documenting his son's journey. During Chet Holmgren's collegiate season at Gonzaga, and even during the 2022 NBA Draft, Dave became instantly recognizable as the "Camcorder Dad."

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His habit of bringing a video camcorder to every game, meticulously recording the action from the stands, went viral across social media and sports broadcasts. This simple act became a symbol of a supportive, old-school form of fatherhood in the age of smartphones and instant streaming.

A Lifelong Basketball Mentor

The role Dave played in Chet’s life was far more significant than just a videographer. Chet Holmgren, a Minnesota native, grew up playing basketball under the direct tutelage of his father. Dave’s background as a 7-foot college center meant he could provide specialized coaching and mentorship tailored to his son's unique physical attributes and position.

This early, expert guidance is credited as a major influence on Chet's development into one of the most promising young talents in the NBA. The training instilled by Dave prepared Chet to become the first Minnesota native to earn Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.

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The 2025 NBA Update

The Holmgren family remains a fixture in the NBA world, especially as Chet's career continues to ascend. As of late 2025, Chet Holmgren has solidified his position as a critical piece for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Recent reports, updated in mid-2025, highlight Chet’s significant contributions, with career averages around 16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. His continued success in the league keeps his father, Dave, in the public eye as the quintessential "basketball dad."

Dave Holmgren's constant presence and documented support serve as a powerful narrative about the importance of family backing in professional sports. He is often cited in discussions about the family life and background of the OKC Thunder star.

Beyond the Court: Exploring the Other Prominent David Holmgrens

The name "David Holmgren" is shared by several notable figures across different fields, a point of confusion that requires clarification to establish full topical authority. While the basketball dad is the current curiosity focus, the most historically significant is the Australian ecologist.

David Holmgren: The Permaculture Pioneer

The most globally recognized "David Holmgren" is an Australian environmental designer, ecological educator, and writer, born in 1955. He is best known as the co-originator of the concept of permaculture.

Working alongside his academic mentor, Bill Mollison, Holmgren co-authored the seminal 1978 book, *Permaculture One*, which launched the movement of sustainable and regenerative design.

Fresh 2025 Updates: David Holmgren remains an active and influential voice in the sustainability movement. His official website features recent writings and essays dated throughout 2025, demonstrating his continued work as a futurist and author.

Recent topics covered by Holmgren in 2025 include "Permaculture Activism," "Digging in for the Long Haul," and reflections on "Permaculture: weathering 50 years of climate change." He is also credited with coining the term 'Energy Descent' to describe a future of reduced energy availability.

This David Holmgren's work is crucial for understanding sustainable living, regenerative agriculture, and future scenarios in a climate-challenged world.

Other Notable David Holmgrens

The name also appears in other professional contexts, further complicating a simple search:

• David Holmgren (Former CIO): A prominent figure in the finance and healthcare sector, David Holmgren was the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Hartford HealthCare for 12 years before being "dislodged" from his post in a recent change.
• David Holmgren (Artist): An artist focused on painting and fascinated by perception and the physicality of paint, whose work is showcased on his professional art website.
• David Henry Holmgren (Deceased): A Minnesota native who passed away in January 2024 at the age of 91.

In conclusion, the name Dave Holmgren is a nexus point for multiple high-profile careers. Whether you are searching for the dedicated NBA father and former Gopher center, or the pioneering Australian ecologist who co-founded permaculture, the name is synonymous with deep commitment and significant influence in their respective fields. The story of Dave Holmgren, the Camcorder Dad, is a modern tale of a father's enduring support shaping a generational talent, a narrative that continues to unfold with every successful season Chet Holmgren plays.