Miami Hurricanes Recruit Lonnie Walker Ready for McDonald’s All-American Game
For the first time in program history, the Miami Hurricanes will have a recruit appear in the McDonald’s All-American game for the second year in a row.
Lonnie Walker is appearing in the game just a year after Dewan Huell did. This fall they will become the first Hurricanes teammates to have been named McDonald’s All-Americans.
Walker is playing in Chicago after leading Reading, PA high school to its first state title. The game takes place tonight at 7 pm ET at the United Center in Chicago.
Walker is part of an East Roster that will be coached by Jim Martin from the Providence school in Jacksonville, Florida. Four Kentucky Wildcats and three uncommitted players highlight the roster for the East.
USA Today has been interviewing players on each roster leading up to the game. Walker spoke with them on Monday. Some of the things he discussed were winning the state title, his expectations in Chicago this week and his overall game.
Winning a state title is special even to the best players. Some players can go through high school, college and the NBA without winning a championship. Walker talked about winning the title and then going straight to Chicago.
"“Finally winning states and then the same night flying into Chicago and getting the chance to play with the top talent across the country. … Not too many people in the world can say they’ve done something like this and I can be one of them.”"
The McDonald’s All-American game gives the players a chance to measure themselves against the best players in the country in front of a packed arena and national television audience. The rise of AAU ball has diminished its importance as the majority of players grow up playing against the best.
Walker talked about practicing against the best players, what he has been able to show about himself and how he has been playing.
"“The first two days of practice here have been great. I’m knocking down shots, dunking, passing, playing great defense and showing my athleticism. My overall game has exceeded how I thought I’d play due to Saturday night. Everything is going really well. The last two days I think a lot of people are starting to see my true position and how good of a player I am. I look at myself as a shooting guard but I can pass the ball really well. I’ve been showing that out and I showing other assets to my game that no one really sees.”"
The players can have a different agenda depending on their circumstances. The Kentucky players will get a chance to play together and learn each other’s games. The undecided players have one last chance to show what they can do before the April 12 spring signing day.
Walker discussed his goals in Chicago.
"My goal while I’m here, though, is to show who I am — not just the player people think I am. I can pass, I can shoot, I can dribble. The whole nine yards. I want to show everyone I’m more than just an athlete. I have an all-around player."
Walker is the most exciting and highly ranked recruit in the Larranaga era. His pairing with Bruce Brown gives the Hurricanes one of the most dynamic backcourt tandems in the country for at least next season.
With Ja’Quan Newton, the triumvirate should be exciting and give Miami an exceptionally athletic and potentially high-scoring backcourt should the Hurricanes decide to open up their offense next season.
Next: Miami Hurricanes Basketball Still Looking to Add Two More Recruits
Tonight offers an exciting glimpse into Miami’s future.