Ethan Happ was born on July 5, 1996, in Illinois. He grew up in a sports-loving family with his parents Randy and Teresa Happ. His father played basketball at North Central College, instilling a love for the game in Ethan and his brother Eric, who went on to play basketball at Carl Sandburg College. In addition to his basketball talents, Ethan is also the first cousin of MLB pitcher J.A. Happ.
While in high school, Ethan was a standout basketball player, earning a reputation as a skilled forward. Despite being a consensus three-star recruit, he caught the attention of college scouts with his impressive performances on the court.
Upon joining the Wisconsin Badgers, Ethan made an immediate impact. He quickly earned the honors of Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten All-Freshman team, and Big Ten All-Defensive team. His stellar play also led to him being named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times.
During his freshman year, Ethan redshirted as the Badgers made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, eventually losing in the championship game to the Duke Blue Devils. Despite this setback, Ethan remained focused on improving his game and helping his team succeed.
Throughout his college career, Ethan continued to impress with his versatility on the court. His skills as a forward helped the Badgers reach the Sweet 16 in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Off the court, Ethan remains close to his family, who have been a source of support and encouragement throughout his basketball journey. His close relationship with his brother Eric, who also pursued a career in basketball, has been a constant source of motivation for Ethan.
During his time at Wisconsin, Ethan had the opportunity to play alongside talented teammates like Bronson Koenig. Their chemistry on the court helped the team achieve success and build a strong bond that extended beyond basketball.
As Ethan continues to make a name for himself in the world of college basketball, his dedication to the sport and his team has not gone unnoticed. His drive to succeed and his passion for the game have set him apart as a valuable player and a respected teammate.
With his talent and determination, Ethan Happ is poised to achieve even greater success in the future, both on and off the court.