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Basketball Recruiting

Top-50 incoming junior EJ Walker talks recruitment, upcoming visits

June 5, 2023
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You can see the growth this summer from Erlanger [KY] native and Top-50 prospect out of the 2025 class...

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 first 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. 

This season, it was more of an adjustment for Walker, who had upped the scale of his role and had to be both more of a leader and also his impact on the court would need to extend after the departure of multiple seniors.

Walker is playing with Midwest BBall Club, an AAU program in which there’s been plenty of success over the last few years. You could notice that the 6-foot-8 W/F has made the needed improvements in the weight room and also on the court, as he’s made major leaps this spring and entering the summer.

He’s currently beginning an unofficial visit to Minnesota but took the time prior to discussing his recruitment with Stockrisers.com.


Which schools would you say are the most involved in your recruitment?

“Purdue, Minnesota, Ohio State, Xavier, Dayton, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Texas A&m, Arizona State, Georgia State.”

Have any new schools recently?

“Yeah, I have spoken to Memphis, Clemson, California offered, Wake Forest, St. John’s, Kansas State.”

Minnesota, what are your thoughts on them and what is their exact pitch to you?

“The program seems great, they are really big on relationships and family atmosphere. I watched them play several times this past season and I like what Coach Johnson does with his hybrid 4 position. Their pitch is the opportunity to compete for minutes as a freshman. The career opportunities after school are because of how many Fortune 500 companies are here. Their ability to develop me into having a chance to be a pro.”

How about Wisconsin, your thoughts on them and Coach G?

“Wisconsin believes relationships are very important and how well I do in the classroom. The first time I spoke to Coach G we didn’t even talk basketball really. Talked about family. He was cool and told me everything he liked about my game and my grades.”

How about Xavier, where do things stand with them?

“We just had our team camp there so I got to talk with all the coaches during the two days. They spoke about my improvement in my skill and body.”

How has your game improved this past season?

“I have been really aggressive this AAU season. Since I have gained nine pounds of muscle I can take contact more. My ability to shoot off the bounce. Working out with my strength coach Jordan Nevels twice a week. His workouts are hard but have improved my vertical, the way I move, and my strength.”

How do you want to keep improving your game?

“I want to keep developing my game to be a consistent scorer from all three levels. A pity to dribble on a string and keep getting quicker and stronger to guard multiple positions.”

And visits, you’re in Minnesota now, how was that and what visits are next?

“My visit starts today with seeing everything. We saw them last night once we got to campus. I’m looking forward to seeing everything today. I go back to Ohio State on June 14th, and Wisconsin on June 20. Notre Dame will be in August. Wake Forest is trying to set a date. I play in Purdue team camp on June 9th where I can see the staff, and Indiana on June 10th.”

 
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