Magic Draft Target Jarace Walker Can Fit 'Almost Anywhere'
Before stepping foot on campus at the University of Houston, Jarace Walker was a projected lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
A five-star prospect coming out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Walker's one-and-done season for the Cougars strengthened his case even further to be one of the first names called.
As the anchor for Houston's defense during his freshman campaign, Walker's 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game both ranked in the top-four for a unit that finished fifth in adjusted defensive efficiency and second in opponents points per game.
"I feel like I can fit in almost anywhere just because of the versatility I bring, especially on the defensive end," Walker said at the NBA Draft Combine. "But being able to knock down shots and being that extra perimeter defender.
"It's kind of just with effort. Talking, being able to move my feet at my size, I feel like it's kind of impressive. Defense is always something I focused on, but the versatility kind of just came."
At the combine, Walker measured in at 6-6 and 248 pounds with a 7-2 wingspan, but his athleticism is what stood out the most. Among all participants, the 19-year-old ranked ranked third in standing vertical leap (34.5''), ninth overall in max vertical leap (38'') and 11th in the three-quarter sprint (3.2 seconds).
His lone season for the Cougars will go down as the most successful in recent history, reaching the Sweet Sixteen while also being ranked No. 1 by the AP Poll for the first time in program history since 1983.
"On and off the floor, I feel like [being vocal] is one of my personality traits," Walker said. "Just being that guy in the room that people could look at, follow and being that leader vocally so I just try to carry myself that way on and off the floor."
The versatile wing has been projected being drafted as high as No. 4, but could plug in nicely for the Orlando Magic alongside forwards Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac.
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