David Sisk
Special to TigerSportsReport.com
Talk about it in The Tigers' Lair
Canada native Alonzo Walker is a high level prospect who could fit in well with the Tigers this winter
It's not every year that quality high major type players are still available the July after their senior year of high school. But Memphis has been abuzz this week with the signing of Dante Scott and the visit by Canada's Alonzo Walker, both Class of 2015 prospects.
Walker is a recent graduate from Ontario's Orangeville Prep. Orangeville is noted as one of the top basketball programs in North America. Last year's team featured Jamal Murray (who recently committed to Kentucky), point guard Jaylen Poyser (who is going to UNLV), big man Kyle Alexander (Tennessee), and Thon Maker, who reclassified to the Class of 2016 and will surely be a top 10 prospect, perhaps even Number One.
Leading this program is head coach Larry Blunt, who shared a few words with TigerSportsReport as soon as he got off a plane.
"Alonzo enjoyed his visit," he began. "It went really well. He liked everything about the school: the academics, the facilities. (Head) Coach (Josh) Pastner has worked very hard at building a relationship with Alonzo. He enjoyed his time with Coach Pastner and Coach (Damon) Stoudamire."
Memphis looks as if they are very equipped talent wise for the upcoming season, but are still looking for certain type of players to fill roles and help chemistry. And since the additions of Keelon Lawson, Dedric Lawson, and Dante Scott do not count against the team's scholarship limits, Coach Pastner still has offers to give.
Scott and Walker both seem to fit a specific description: long, athletic wing players from winning programs who can shoot the ball and defend.
Blunt describes the 6-foot-7, 190 pound Walker as a "Bruce Bowen type. He can defend the one through four position. He can catch and shoot, and is a high level athlete."
According to Coach Blunt, Walker has been offered by Arkansas and Wyoming as well as some other programs, while several (unnamed) others want to get him on campus.
When discussing a time frame for Alonzo's commitment, Blunt responded, "He is in no hurry. He will get with his family and coaching staff and evaluate the best place to go. He wants to go to a good fit."
"Fit" seems to be an appropriate word that both Memphis and Alonzo Walker are seeking. Coach Blunt thinks Memphis might be a good landing place for Walker.
"(Pastner) wants guys who can win," Blunt concluded. "Alonzo is accustomed to winning. He is looking for players who can defend and knock down open jump shots. Alonzo can do all of that. He is a selfless guy."
Special to TigerSportsReport.com
Talk about it in The Tigers' Lair
Canada native Alonzo Walker is a high level prospect who could fit in well with the Tigers this winter
It's not every year that quality high major type players are still available the July after their senior year of high school. But Memphis has been abuzz this week with the signing of Dante Scott and the visit by Canada's Alonzo Walker, both Class of 2015 prospects.
Walker is a recent graduate from Ontario's Orangeville Prep. Orangeville is noted as one of the top basketball programs in North America. Last year's team featured Jamal Murray (who recently committed to Kentucky), point guard Jaylen Poyser (who is going to UNLV), big man Kyle Alexander (Tennessee), and Thon Maker, who reclassified to the Class of 2016 and will surely be a top 10 prospect, perhaps even Number One.
Leading this program is head coach Larry Blunt, who shared a few words with TigerSportsReport as soon as he got off a plane.
"Alonzo enjoyed his visit," he began. "It went really well. He liked everything about the school: the academics, the facilities. (Head) Coach (Josh) Pastner has worked very hard at building a relationship with Alonzo. He enjoyed his time with Coach Pastner and Coach (Damon) Stoudamire."
Memphis looks as if they are very equipped talent wise for the upcoming season, but are still looking for certain type of players to fill roles and help chemistry. And since the additions of Keelon Lawson, Dedric Lawson, and Dante Scott do not count against the team's scholarship limits, Coach Pastner still has offers to give.
Scott and Walker both seem to fit a specific description: long, athletic wing players from winning programs who can shoot the ball and defend.
Blunt describes the 6-foot-7, 190 pound Walker as a "Bruce Bowen type. He can defend the one through four position. He can catch and shoot, and is a high level athlete."
According to Coach Blunt, Walker has been offered by Arkansas and Wyoming as well as some other programs, while several (unnamed) others want to get him on campus.
When discussing a time frame for Alonzo's commitment, Blunt responded, "He is in no hurry. He will get with his family and coaching staff and evaluate the best place to go. He wants to go to a good fit."
"Fit" seems to be an appropriate word that both Memphis and Alonzo Walker are seeking. Coach Blunt thinks Memphis might be a good landing place for Walker.
"(Pastner) wants guys who can win," Blunt concluded. "Alonzo is accustomed to winning. He is looking for players who can defend and knock down open jump shots. Alonzo can do all of that. He is a selfless guy."
