Ohio State '21 OH PF (RS JR) - Kalen Etzler

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24/7Sports

Power Forward
6'8|195lbs

 

Kalen Etzler (2021 – Crestview)
Four-star 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward
In Crestview, the name Etzler is synonymous with basketball. Kalen and his brother Javin, a 2019 Miami (Ohio) signee, play high-school basketball in a gym named after their grandfather. Their uncle, Doug, played for Ohio State in the 1990s.

RELATED Full Court Press: Kalen Etzler Discusses Visit to Ohio State and Chris Holtmann “Couldn't Be More Pleased” About 2019 Class

Kalen might be on track to follow his uncle and eventually become a Buckeye. In the recently released 247Sports 2021 recruiting rankings, Etzler was named a top-50 overall prospect and the top recruit in Ohio, edging out Johnson.

The Buckeyes have not offered Etzler a scholarship, but they have invited him on multiple visits. Etzler grew up an Ohio State fan, and there's mutual interest. Miami (Ohio), Duquesne and Bowling Green have offered him scholarships, but that list should extend this summer. Provided Etzler continues to fill out his frame and develop his offensive game, he'll remain a top target of Ohio State.

 

Ohio State men's basketball adds 1st commitment for 2021 in Kalen Etzler. https://t.co/SyJ7HV8T41

— Buckeye Sports Bulletin (@Buckeye_Sports) May 12, 2019

 

Kalen Etzler becomes first commitment in Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class: What it means for the Buckeyes https://t.co/GTr2HtC3am

— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) May 12, 2019

 

GO BUCKS ⚪️🔴⚫️ Thank You to @TiptonEdits pic.twitter.com/WY3bBCarqe

— Kalen Etzler (@kalen_etzler24) May 12, 2019

 

Ohio State men's basketball: 2021 forward Kalen Etzler quickly commits after offer from #Buckeyes: https://t.co/1SPCY8ekaJ

— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) May 12, 2019

 

Seven months ago, Kalen Etzler told me when was a child and someone asked him what he wanted to be when he was older, his standard answer was “I want to play for the Buckeyes.”

He committed to Ohio State tonight.https://t.co/IvrAdqrjfh

— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) May 13, 2019

 

Also of note: Ohio State commit Kalen Etzler will remain at Convoy Crestview to play for his uncle, Doug, and will not go the prep school route.

"I can't do it. I've got all the tools right there, so why leave?"

— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) May 13, 2019

 

Kalen Etzler to Play for Uncle at Crestview
Before Kalen Etzler had to keep his commitment to Ohio State a secret for three days, he had to keep quiet about the fact that his uncle, Doug, would become his head coach at Convoy Crestview.

"I knew that about two days after my coach did retire," Etzler said. "Obviously I was one of the first to know, since it's family-related. He was going to try out. We didn't know if it was going to happen. Ended up finding out like five days later or something like that, and he got it."

Doug, who played basketball for the Buckeyes from 1991 to 1995, was most recently Teays Valley's head coach.

Etzler has never played for his uncle's teams, but he has seen him coach.

"His offense is really similar to what we do, except they do it in transition," Etzler said. "They run a quick offense out of transition, so I hope it'll be the same. Maybe some high ball screens for me."

Now, he'll get a chance to experience playing in his uncle's system for the first time.

So, what will it be like for the future Buckeye playing for the former Buckeye?

"I have no idea," Etzler said. "My dad said he's going to be intense. It's a family thing, so I'm not going to let it get to my head."

 

So what are the #Buckeyes getting in 2021 PF @kalen_etzler24? I caught up the man who coached him for the last two years, @CoachB2003, for a look at the rising Ohio prospect. Spoiler: the future looks bright. https://t.co/lCU5MyHMzC

— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) May 16, 2019

 

very blessed and grateful, now i just have to continue the work #niketop100 thank you for this opportunity pic.twitter.com/fPqkbORBaS

— Kalen Etzler (@kalen_etzler24) June 12, 2019

 

It’s been a busy and productive last week for #OhioState commit @kalen_etzler24 (FREE via @SteveHelwagen) https://t.co/03CQjcGVAO pic.twitter.com/nCZtwDZXbh

— Bucknuts (@Bucknuts247) June 30, 2019

 

Ohio State commit Kalen Etzler stayed busy with an “eye-opening” week competing with top underclassmen at the Nike Elite 100 and in front of Chris Holtmann at the OHSBCA Showcase. https://t.co/GwQ2sGFf2x

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) June 30, 2019

 

VIDEO: @OhioStateHoops fans should be excited that Kalen Etzler (@kalen_etzler24) will be a Buckeye! Check out these highlights from Indy Heat's 70-46 win today at @gymratsbball tourney play today in Fort Wayne! pic.twitter.com/wJhDIahLx5

— Glenn Marini (@GlennMariniWANE) July 27, 2019

 

Men's basketball | Ohio State commitment Kalen Etzler hopes to draw others to Buckeyes https://t.co/nwPnJMGBq9

— Columbus Dispatch (@DispatchAlerts) July 29, 2019

 

Our guys @kalen_etzler24 is getting things DONE with the @indy_heat!#GoBucks / 🎥: @Andy_McDonnell
pic.twitter.com/JmTxqRYN9X

— The Ohio State Hoops Insider (@OSUHoopsInsider) July 29, 2019