Oregon State Basketball: Five Questions With Beavers Commit Kylor Kelley

Over the weekend, recent Oregon State basketball commit Kylor Kelley was kind enough to answer some questions for us here at BTD, to give us all a better insight about the newest towering talent that head coach Wayne Tinkle recently added to the program. When he officially joins the team, Kelley will become the seventh new player that the Beavers have added to the roster this off-season, including UMASS graduate transfer Seth Berger and freshmen Ethan Thompson, Alfred Hollins, Zach Reichle, Xavier Smith and Isaac Barnes.

Kelley joins the Beavers program as a transfer student, who last played college basketball for Northwest Christian University (NAIA) during the first part of last season. In his time last year with the Beacons, Kelley competed twice against Division I opponents, which included an impressive outing of 11 points (5-10 FG), 6 rebounds and 2 blocks against the University of Oregon. Kelley will be eligible to play for the Beavers this winter, meaning the versatile seven-footer may give Oregon State a much-needed spark-plug as they head into the grind of the Pac-12 season.

We thank Kylor for taking some time out of his day to answer our questions.

First things first, what were the defining factors in your decision to attend Oregon State?

KK: I always wanted to stay in Oregon to be close to my family, and after playing at a couple open gyms, I could feel the family culture they produce. I feel like I meshed well and got along with the other guys, and I could really contribute to what they're building in Corvallis.

Could you describe your recruitment a bit for us?

KK: I briefly talked to Washington State, but right now I'm about getting my school work done, staying in the gym and finishing up what needs to get done.

Obviously, the Beavers are coming off a tough 5-27 season but optimism around the program seems to be high. What did the coaching staff explain to you about their vision for both you and the program going forward into the future during your recruitment?

KK: I mentioned culture earlier, but I'd like to play for a program whose values are focused on developing me as a player and as a person. After talking with them, I can tell they have my best interest at heart.

What do you think you can add to the Beavers program next season? What are your strengths and what do you need to improve on as a player?

KK: Right now I'm focused on finishing up school and getting certain things squared away. I have some great people helping me figure out how everything will play out. I think length at the rim, versatility running the floor, and the ability to stretch out to the 3 point line help. The PAC-12 is a whole new world, so I think I need to get stronger and more comfortable with contact.

If you could compare your game to any current college or NBA player, who would it be and why?

KK: I don't really like to compare myself to other players, I just try to be myself as much as I can. I do hear a lot of people compare me to Kristaps Porzingis though. Probably because he's a lengthy big man who can dribble efficiently and knock down a jumper.

In the very pro-Ducks, Pac-12 Network highlight video below from the aforementioned Northwest Christian-Oregon game, you can catch some clips of Kelley on the defensive end of the floor, which at around the 56-second mark, includes a strong block on a shot from NBA prospect Chris Boucher. For the Beavers, Kelley is expected to provide some length on the defensive interior, while also being able to stretch the floor with his inside-out offensive talents.