2009 PG, A.J. Walton Approaching Decision Time, No Mention of UK Offer?

 

A.J. Walton is a 6’1, 180 pound, junior guard from Little Rock Arkansas. Walton is a very talented prospect with endless potential.  A.J. is a natural leader and has a strong presence on the court. Walton’s play however, has been inconsistent at times, but has seemingly turned it on as of late. Arkansas coach John Pelphrey is making a strong push to land Walton, but the signings of Courtney Fortson and Rotnei Clarke in 08′ may hurt the Hog’s chances of landing the homegrown talent. As a Junior Walton led his Hall high school squad to the class 6A title.  Walton then went on to lead his Arkansas Wings Gold over the Arkansas Wings Red team, in the AAU 17 & under state tournament. Walton scored 23 points, 7 assists and 5 steals.

Walton knows that he is a good player but at the same time knows that he is a work in progress.

“I’m good at giving out assists and getting to the basket with ease,” said Walton

“I need to work on my defense and my outside shot and pull-up jump shot.”

Walton’s list of possible destinations include Marquette, Baylor, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Walton has also received an offer form the Kentucky coaching staff, but has seemingly ruled out Lexington as an option.

Walton was recently interviewed by Richard Davenport of the Arkansas Democratic Gazette. Walton was asked what he liked about each of the four schools that he currently lists. 

Arkansas – “I’m an Arkansas boy, I grew up here,” said Walton, who’s also receiving interest from Florida, Colorado and Tulsa. “Coach [John ] Pelphrey and I have a good relationship. There are a lot of people down here that want me to go to Arkansas. I try to go up there as much as I can.” Walton is fond of the Baylor coaching staff.

Baylor – “I love the coaching staff,” Walton said. “I love Baylor all together. The school is beautiful and Waco [Texas ] is a wonderful place to be. The coaches said they were really interested in me and wanted me to play for them.”

Marquette-, who offered Walton a scholarship two weeks ago, is where his favorite NBA player attended college.

“My favorite NBA player is Dwyane Wade,” he said. “I pattern my game after him, and I try to be like him. Marquette is a top 10 school. I love them.” Former Arkansas assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro is recruiting Walton for the Sooners.

Oklahoma -“Me andCoach Taliaferro have a good relationship,” Walton said. “I’ve been up there plenty of times. They’re just a good all around group of coaches.”

Walton has said that he would like to make his decision by the end of the Summer. With the end of the summer quickly approaching, it’s looking like a four horse race for Walton. For now, I would say that for now, it’s safe to scratch Mr. Walton off of the list.

Status Report: 2009 UK Target Andrew Fitzgerald

Andrew Fitzgerald is one of the most compelling players in the 09′ class. His 6’8 245 pound frame, is ideal for banging in the paint. Fitzgerald is a dominant rebounder, posting multiple 20+ boards per game while playing in the talent laden Baltimore area. Maryland, Pittsburgh and Seton Hall have made formal offers with Xavier teetering on an offer as well. Kentucky has been in contact with Fitzgerald for sometime, but an off has not been wagered. Pitt and Clemson are seemingly the leaders for the services of the soft handed bruiser. Fitzgerald recently said this about Pittsburgh.

“I like how they feed the ball inside, and their guards are tough and know how to feed the big men the ball. It seems like they play competitive basketball and know how to win, and that’s what I like”.

Fitzgerald went on to say that the Big East or ACC would best suit his game.

“Most of the Big East really, because they play that powerhouse style basketball, but I also like the ACC and the run-and-gun style they have”.

Fitzgerald will be a huge get for any program. Pitt, Maryland and Clemson are listed as his top three with UK on the outside and looking in. Fitzgerald had this analysis of his game.

“I need to get better with dribbling the ball, working on my mid-range shot even more and getting into shape. I am good with it now, but I want to get better and better with it and make myself as good as I can possibly get”.

“Everyday I work on moves inside the paint with my back to the basket and trying to beat the defense. I think as a big man the most important thing is to be able to back down players and work a move for a basket on them”.

#3.d- Doron Lamb

• Position: PG
• School: Bishop Laughlin
• Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 175

Lamb is a versatile player. Lamb plays the point guard position as well as anyone. He has great court vision and knows when to take his one handed runner or to kick it out to his open teammate for the jumper. Lamb has an solid jumper up to about 18 feet, but his range gets better every year. Lamb could end up being a shooting guard or a distributing forward by the time he arrives on a college campus. Lamb is a solid 5 star prospect and is among the elite players in his class.

Schools:

• Auburn
• Louisville
• UCON
• Rutgers
• St. Johns
• Xavier

#2.a- Josh Smith

• Position: C
• School: Kentwood
• Hometown: Kent, WA
• Height: 6’9
• Weight: 275

Smith, is a big bodied force. As a freshman it was evident that Smith had talent and could develop into one of the top players nationally . Smith has great hands and better than average athleticism for a kid his size. As this kid matures expect him to solidify himself as a 5 star player. Has a serviceable shot from inside the paint that will only get better, By all indicators Smith is a big time prospect, should be a high major all conference candidate as a freshman.  Smith averaged averaged 21 points and 9.8 rebounds with a 74 percent shooting percentage. Here is a good ARTICLE on Smith.

Schools:

• UCLA
• Duke
• Louisville
• Washington St.
• Washington
• Arizona
• Georgetown

#2.d- Joe Jackson

• Position: PG
• School: White Station Spartans, TN
• Hometown: Memphis
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 160

Jackson has been a highly touted prospect since his freshman season. His small stature and uncanny speed separate hm form your average high school player. Jackson has improved greatly over his 2 season of high school ball. In March of 08′ Jackson and teammate Ferrakohn Hall led the Spartans to a victory in the state tournament quarter-final round over tough opponent Oak Ridge. Jackson posted 26 points including 16, in the fourth quarter. Jackson is in the mold of an Allen Iverson, built like a point guard, the mentality of a shooting guard.

Schools:

• Arizona
• Memphis
• Louisville
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Texas A&M