Virginia Tech scoops up Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Chattanooga, TN
Virginia Tech made a major push for further success within the ACC and beyond after landing the services of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the number-35 ranked junior nationally, on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5 guard, who recently took an official visit to the ACC school on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, felt at home with the Blacksburg program and opted to come off the board early in favor of the Hokies.
A major stock booster this past spring on the travel circuit playing with the Canada Elite bunch, Alexander-Walker has drastically reworked his game as a giant play maker with the ball in his hands. While he does have to take care of the ball better, the Hamilton Heights product has put up solid stat lines throughout the early portions of the UAA season. Averaging over 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists per game, the improving junior has displayed quality ball skills and the ability to play all three spots on the perimeter.
After taking a hard look at USC and Maryland within the past few weeks, Alexander-Walker felt at peace during his time at Virginia Tech. “The style of play really fits me. It is a family that I am going to,” the Canadian guard stated. “I know that Coach Buzz (Williams) and Coach (Jamie) McNeilly have the best interests for me.”
Buzz Williams has become known for his positionless style of basketball that throws out four play makers onto the floor on any given possession, a type of ball that seems to fit the Canada Elite star perfectly. “I fit really well. They play with a lot of strength, toughness, and heart that I play with, which is really good.” Alexander-Walker said about his future home. “They play four guards and push the ball. If you are a two or a three, you push it and go. It is a free-flowing offense where I can be used at all three positions.”
The first commitment in the 2017 class for the Hokies, Alexander-Walker gives the ACC bunch tremendous momentum moving ahead. After breaking through for a successful run in conference play last season, Virginia Tech’s new success on the recruiting trail should bring even better days ahead for Buzz Williams’ bunch moving ahead.
