Spring Break
Evolving from Bronx guard to Storrs guard
Marc Gauthier
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: Sports
Kemba Walker is a city kid. More specifically, he's a Bronx boy.
Walker definitely knows and carries around his hometown. Then again, it seems like everyone who plays against him can tell he's from the Bronx.
After the Huskies' win over Missouri last weekend, Zaire Taylor, a Staten Island kid, said he knew that Walker was from the Bronx.
What does a "Bronx player" mean, exactly?
"Well, a Bronx guard?" Walker said. "Speed, handle, just a tough player."
"And moxie," A.J. Price quickly added.
When he came to Storrs, Walker knew he was in for something different.
No more city lights, crowded streets or traffic jams. Instead, he was going to get a full serving of countryside, cows and cold weather. Well, the weather didn't exactly faze Walker.
"It was freezing, but you know, I'm from the city and it's cold out there, too - but not as cold as Storrs. I managed to get through it."
But in his freshman year at UConn, Walker has adapted quickly to his new environment both on and off the court.
"It's been great," Walker said. "I've learned a lot of things from these guys. I couldn't be happier about my freshman year. The campus is good. I love the fans. I meet new people every day. Classes are great, you know, I go in every day and learn new things. The professors are great. Everything about the school is great."
Statistically, Walker has been all over the place this season for the Huskies. He's shown he can be a prime-time player and other times, he can be a solid role player.
But despite what happens for the remainder of this season, Walker may very well be remembered for his outstanding performance against Missouri in which he racked up 23 points, five rebounds and five assists in 25 minutes of play. Without Walker's performance on that Saturday afternoon, the Huskies would have been in trouble.
"You know, I told Kemba he's growing up today," Price said after the Huskies' game against Missouri. "He grew up. He played like a man among boys. There were times he dominated the [Missouri] game. He definitely helped us get over this hump today."
Walker definitely knows and carries around his hometown. Then again, it seems like everyone who plays against him can tell he's from the Bronx.
After the Huskies' win over Missouri last weekend, Zaire Taylor, a Staten Island kid, said he knew that Walker was from the Bronx.
What does a "Bronx player" mean, exactly?
"Well, a Bronx guard?" Walker said. "Speed, handle, just a tough player."
"And moxie," A.J. Price quickly added.
When he came to Storrs, Walker knew he was in for something different.
No more city lights, crowded streets or traffic jams. Instead, he was going to get a full serving of countryside, cows and cold weather. Well, the weather didn't exactly faze Walker.
"It was freezing, but you know, I'm from the city and it's cold out there, too - but not as cold as Storrs. I managed to get through it."
But in his freshman year at UConn, Walker has adapted quickly to his new environment both on and off the court.
"It's been great," Walker said. "I've learned a lot of things from these guys. I couldn't be happier about my freshman year. The campus is good. I love the fans. I meet new people every day. Classes are great, you know, I go in every day and learn new things. The professors are great. Everything about the school is great."
Statistically, Walker has been all over the place this season for the Huskies. He's shown he can be a prime-time player and other times, he can be a solid role player.
But despite what happens for the remainder of this season, Walker may very well be remembered for his outstanding performance against Missouri in which he racked up 23 points, five rebounds and five assists in 25 minutes of play. Without Walker's performance on that Saturday afternoon, the Huskies would have been in trouble.
"You know, I told Kemba he's growing up today," Price said after the Huskies' game against Missouri. "He grew up. He played like a man among boys. There were times he dominated the [Missouri] game. He definitely helped us get over this hump today."
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