Spring Break
Hello countryside, goodbye skyline
Bronx-born Walker making transition to college life
Marc Gauthier
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Husky Hoopla
Walker was a five-star recruit from Rice High School in Harlem. According to Rivals.com, Walker was projected as the 14th best recruit in the country for the class of 2008 and the fifth-best point guard.
Before Walker signed a letter of intent with UConn almost a year ago, he considered schools such as Memphis, Texas A&M and Cincinnati, according to Rivals.com.
But as soon as he decided to don the Husky blue and white, coach Jim Calhoun knew he would become a valuable part to his team.
"The moment Kemba signed with us, we became better," Calhoun said.
Early in the season, there were questions as to what type of point guard Walker would be. Would he be a shoot-first or a pass-first guard? Not many people knew.
But after a few weeks of practice and two exhibition games, Walker not only knew what he wanted to be, but he also knew who he wanted to model his game after.
"I started watching Chris Paul when he got to the NBA," Walker said. "I thought I could be like that; he's not that tall and he gets it done. He's a pass-first point guard and he can take over the game anytime he wants. I see him play defense. He takes pride in that and that's something I do, too."
Dealing with the college style of play is another thing that Walker has been trying to figure out. His high school competition can't compare to anything he will face in college
"Running-wise, it's a big difference; the speed is different and the strength is different," Walker said. "I'm going to be guarding guys who are 6-foot-2, so there's a lot of differences."
Walker, who is listed at a generous 6-foot-1 and 172 pounds, said it's been difficult adjusting to collegiate basketball, but it's something he's certain he will master.
Since the first day of practice, Calhoun and the other players have noticed Walker's contributions to the team.
His passing abilities have improved the team's passing game tremendously, according to Calhoun, and he allows A.J. Price and Jerome Dyson to move to the two-guard.
Before Walker signed a letter of intent with UConn almost a year ago, he considered schools such as Memphis, Texas A&M and Cincinnati, according to Rivals.com.
But as soon as he decided to don the Husky blue and white, coach Jim Calhoun knew he would become a valuable part to his team.
"The moment Kemba signed with us, we became better," Calhoun said.
Early in the season, there were questions as to what type of point guard Walker would be. Would he be a shoot-first or a pass-first guard? Not many people knew.
But after a few weeks of practice and two exhibition games, Walker not only knew what he wanted to be, but he also knew who he wanted to model his game after.
"I started watching Chris Paul when he got to the NBA," Walker said. "I thought I could be like that; he's not that tall and he gets it done. He's a pass-first point guard and he can take over the game anytime he wants. I see him play defense. He takes pride in that and that's something I do, too."
Dealing with the college style of play is another thing that Walker has been trying to figure out. His high school competition can't compare to anything he will face in college
"Running-wise, it's a big difference; the speed is different and the strength is different," Walker said. "I'm going to be guarding guys who are 6-foot-2, so there's a lot of differences."
Walker, who is listed at a generous 6-foot-1 and 172 pounds, said it's been difficult adjusting to collegiate basketball, but it's something he's certain he will master.
Since the first day of practice, Calhoun and the other players have noticed Walker's contributions to the team.
His passing abilities have improved the team's passing game tremendously, according to Calhoun, and he allows A.J. Price and Jerome Dyson to move to the two-guard.
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