At the beginning of each new year, Phenom Hoops works to assemble a series of articles centered around unsigned senior prospects. Last season, hundreds of players from North Carolina went on to play at the Division I, II, III or NAIA levels, and that number looks likely to continue increasing with the current senior class. Typically, we take a closer look at guys who are overlooked and underrated, and today’s edition will highlight Laureon Walker of South Granville and NC Wildcats.
We’ve seen Walker numerous times, including at our Stay Positive Classic, where we stated, “After putting together extended stretches of undeniable production, LureonWalker should start seeing an uptick in his overall recruitment. Although his high school statistics leave a little to be desired, numerous college coaches who’ve watched him this season have walked away impressed. The captivation is certainly warranted, as a prospect widely unknown to college coaches is basically lacing up and putting on effortless twenty or thirty-point scoring displays on a regular basis. Walker is a heady cutter and useful perimeter shooter, but arguably at his best when attacking in transition or turning forced turnovers into fast-break opportunities. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing prospect with anticipation and a nice two-way feel for the game. Walker should end up in the college ranks. “
Since then, Walker’s name has been generating a lot of buzz with college coaches. Not only has his recruitment seen a drastic uptick, but it appears as if playing as an unsigned senior actually benefitted the long, wiry wing prospect. He’s been incredibly productive in every single game at every single event he’s attended. Walker continues to shine with his ability to score from all over the floor, force turnovers at a nonstop rate, and lead by example in all facets of the game. He displays IQ, skill, and athleticism, which, at 6-foot-5, makes him a very difficult matchup for most perimeter opponents. His high school situation has actually left him as a diamond in the rough, and a legitimate priority for various different programs. Given everything it’ll be interesting to see where Walker ultimately ends up.