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Basketball Recruiting

2025's EJ Walker discusses his first Power Five offers, recruitment, game

September 23, 2022
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With the live period underway, I trekked over to Erlanger, Kentucky to watch what I believe is one of the most underrated prospects in America. Who was that prospect?

Lloyd Memorial’s EJ Walker.

Walker, a 6-foot-8 forward, is a player I’ve been covering for the majority of his high school career so far, and man, he has all the tools to be a special prospect. Ball handling, defense, versatility, and my favorite, he’s a long shooter and has one of the most fluid shots I’ve seen in this sophomore class.

During his high school season, Walker was a vital part of a team that ultimately went 22-8 before a disappointing playoff loss, ending both Walker’s freshman year and the Juggernaut's pursuit of a championship. He looks to change that this year.

As for his recruitment, we’ve reported tons of high-majors showing interest over the last few weeks. Walker, as of three weeks ago had offers from Northern Ohio, Toledo, Duquesne, Ohio, and Youngstown State. Now? Walker is officially on the map.

He now holds two Power Five offers from West Virginia and Purdue, respectively.

In addition, during our sit-down he listed plenty of new interests and also had several programs send coaches to his school to evaluate him, most recently having Indiana in the gym while I was also in attendance.

Walker sat down with Stockrisers.com before his practice yesterday and talked about recruiting and his game.


How was your West Virginia visit?

“It was amazing. They had great facilities, and everybody was nice and it was a great time.”

How did it feel to land the offer?

“It was my first Power Five offer so it was actually amazing and made me really happy.”

Purdue?

“It’s great because you know, good school, Big Ten, great education, all that. I went up there for Elite Camp and I went on a tour and it was really nice.”

Thoughts on Coach Painter?

“I obviously know he’s a great coach, and he’s a nice guy.”

Thoughts on Michigan State and your visits?

“The campus is really nice, you know everything is right next to each other in a good spot. The coaching staff, everyone was great. When we first got there they all knew our names, and everyone was just on the same page. Even the players, during practice, came up to us and knew my family's name. (Walker pauses) This is crazy.”

What’s it like to be recruited by them?

“Michigan State has always been one of my ideal schools to go to. It’s just crazy because Tom Izzo is a legend.”

Indiana will be at practice today, thoughts on them?

“I know that they’re really a basketball school, they’re really good at basketball. They got good coaches and they’re a good school.”

Interests? 

“Wisconsin was here yesterday, so Wisconsin, Minnesota, Xavier, South Carolina, Virginia, Oklahoma a little bit, and a little bit of Texas too.” Game breakdown “I’m very versatile, I can do everything. I can shoot really well. I can Dribble, pass, rebound, everything, I think that’s just the best part.”

How will your game translate to the college level?

“I feel like it would be great for a lot of schools. I can guard one through five and I can play one through five. So, you need me on the wing I’ll play the wing, you need me on some post-ups, I’ll go down there and battle.”

Goals this season?

“We lost a couple of seniors last year, So I feel like I got to look to score more, just do me, and score and also being a leader.”

When did you find the love of the game?

“I first started playing when I was in first or second grade and I always been taller, on the block and stuff. Two years ago, when I started actually playing outside and doing what I can do, showing I can actually be good, that made me love it even more.”

 
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