Things heat up for MJ Walker
The Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions is an event that allows for some of the top prospects to step up their own game and solidify their standing as national level recruits. This past weekend’s event did just that as MJ Walker, a 6-foot-5 wing for the Atlanta Xpress 17-under squad, displayed all of the God given abilities along with his improving ball skills and athleticism that makes him an elite recruit within the 2017 class.
Jonesboro, GA
After giving up the sport of football last year and now focusing all of his time and energy on the roundball, Walker seems to have hit the next level with his game. Sporting a college ready body, something that definitely was aided by his time spent on the gridiron, the Xpress star did it all throughout the course of the weekend. Walker nailed four first half 3s in one of his contests, displaying the ability to create for himself with efficiency, especially off of the high ball screen, along with a great feel and overall IQ for the game.
Furthermore, the Jonesboro High star continues to make strides with his skillset. He can slide over onto the ball and run his team’s half-court offense, has infinite levels of athleticism at the basket where he threw down numerous high-level dunks during his full weekend of play in Suwanee, yet buckled down and bought into being his team’s defensive stopper on the other side of the floor.
A very well groomed kid with a bevy of upside ahead of him, thus far on the UAA circuit this spring, Walker is posting averages of over 18 points off of 40-percent shooting from behind the arc, to go along with four rebounds and three assists in any given contest.
Following one of his squad’s wins this past weekend, Walker gave insight into his recruitment, a picture that still remains a bit blurry and just now is developing. “Florida State and Maryland have come down to my school this year but I am not leaning towards any school,” he told HoopSeen. “I am also hearing from Ohio State, Cal, NC State, Florida State, and USC.”
All of those pursuing have offered the Peach State native, the latest being USC and Cal, two programs he will attempt to visit at the end of the month following his team’s games out in Los Angeles. It does seem as if Walker’s recruitment has a lot of playing out to do. “I plan on cutting my list down during the high school season,” the Xpress star stated. He went on to be uncommitted on a timetable for a decision where it seems that a commitment could not occur until late in the winter, or even as late as next spring.
When it does come time to pick a school to attend, there are a few things that Walker is looking for. “My mom wants good academics,” he said. “Also a great staff, great facilities, and a system I can feel comfortable in.”
Expect for many more of the top programs nationally to get involved with the now basketball-dominant junior wing out of the state of Georgia where Walker cemented his status as a five-star recruit this past weekend at the famed event that is the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions.
