Alex Yetna calls South Florida home

A premier rebounder, Alex Yetna, a 6-foot-7 power forward out of Putnam Science Academy, has committed to South Florida. What he lacks in ideal height, the native of France more than makes up for with how hard he plays and his instincts near the basket.

While Old Dominion, St. John’s and Oregon State remained involved, a quick visit to South Florida last weekend was all that was needed for Yetna to commit to the first-year staff.

“They definitely are bringing in a new style of play: a competitive, up-tempo system that is definitely something that Coach (Brian) Gregory and his staff hit on,” Yetna said. “It is a good fit for me to get better, the coaches understand how I play and they have talked to me about making me the best that I can be but also make an impact right away.”

Nailing down transfer commitments from Payton Banks and Terrence Samuel within the past three days, two immediately eligible seniors from Penn State, Yetna becomes the second high school commitment for Brian Gregory at USF, joining Hargrave Academy wing Justin Brown.

While additional talent is still needed, South Florida has done a great job of selling the chance to play and the opportunity to thrive early on, something that struck a chord with Yetna.

“They would use me a stretch 4 but I can rebound the ball a lot and they will use my skillset,” he said. “They can use me as a combo forward who can do a lot of things.”

Less than a month on the job and Gregory and his staff have already nailed down two high school commitments and two grad-transfer commitments, all of whom should be able to contribute immediately during the 2017-2018 college basketball season.