Prospect Corner: C.J. Walker

credit: Jon Lopez/Nike

CJ Walker is next in a long line of “Unicorn” athletes in the next generation of basketball. He is 6’8 190 and can jump out the gym. His moves to the basket are swift, finishing with explosive powerful. He has a long range jumper, a deadly fade away, a cross-over that finishes with a dunk and a consistent mid-range game. If you watch him play there's one guy that comes to my mind: Tracy McGrady.

Walker plays for Oak Ridge high school in Orlando, Florida. He committed to the Oregon Ducks from the class of 2019. He is ranked 30th in the nation by 247 sports and 29th in the nation by Rivals. He is rated as a 5-star prospect and is ranked as the 24th prospect in the 2021 NBA draft class by NBA Draft Room. We talked about the impact he brings to an NBA team and why he chose Oregon.

LJ: You have great athleticism. What type of impact do you feel you would bring to an NBA team day one?
CJ: Being able to defend multiple positions. Do whatever it takes for my team to be successful.

LJ: Why did you commit to Oregon? What stands out about the Ducks?
CJ: Oregon had a plan for me starting day 1 when I arrived to campus in June. They were very detailed with their plan.

LJ: What has been your best game this season? What were your stats that game?
CJ: Best game was probably when I went for 32 points 16 rebounds and 5 blocks but most importantly we got the win.

LJ: What did you average last season?
CJ: 13ppg 10.1 rbg and 2.8 bpg.

LJ: What top prospects have been the most competitive you have played against?
CJ: Precious Achiuwa no doubt he brings out the best in me.

LJ: What NBA player do you feel resembles your skills the most?
CJ: A lil bit of Jayson Tatum and Kevin Knox

LJ: What makes you an impact prospect?
CJ: My motor and versatility.

LJ: As a teammate what will an NBA team like about you?
CJ: People person, always willing to help others, love being in the community.

LJ: What struggles did you have to overcome to get to where you are? How was it growing up in Orlando?
CJ: Actually I’m from Sanford, FL which is like 20 mins from Orlando. It’s easy to do wrong and go left in Sanford I’m faced with crime, drugs and fast money every day but there also positives in Sanford too I’m just trying to be a positive role model to the young generation.

LJ: How are your parents an influence in your life? Being an elite player and dealing with so much attention, how have they helped you?
CJ: My parents are my world. They built the foundation in me and that foundation is what people see today I’m a reflection of them.

LJ: If you could pick an NBA team to play for what team would you pick?
CJ: Any team that would take a chance on me.

LJ: What NBA player would you like to play one on one?
CJ: LeBron and Antonio Blakeney

LJ: Why are you a 5-star?
CJ: Because of my work ethic and finally showing my potential and I’m not even done yet being a complete package, still have ways to go.

LJ: How do you feel you make a team better?
CJ: Just by doing the dirty work. I actually love taking charges.

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