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Houston Cougars forward Jarace Walker has been one of the hottest names in NBA draft circles. Walker's intriguing versatility on both sides of the ball has made him a desired prospect for NBA scouts and organizations.
Listed at 6'8", 240 pounds, Walker is a tantalizing prospect with an impressive physical frame. What makes Walker such an intriguing talent is his ability on the defensive side of the ball. He's an intelligent forward who offers the ability to be a dynamic weapon as a defender. Despite his impressive frame, Walker glides on the floor with his quickness and mobility.
The NBA is always on the lookout for players who can guard multiple positions at a high level. Walker can provide that. With his active hands and quick feet, he can switch onto smaller defenders and give them nightmares. Walker has captured the attention of NBA decision-makers after showcasing his versatility throughout the 2022-23 NCAA season.
Examining Jarace Walker's Draft Projection
Heading into the 2022-23 NCAA season, many NBA personnel viewed Houston's Jarace Walker as a potential lottery selection. After an impressive freshman year, Walker has now seen his stock climb as high as the top-5 of the 2023 NBA draft.
Walker's ability on the defensive end of the floor is his bread and butter. However, there are some unique skills that have a lot of potential. Walker was a gifted playmaker who frequently ran the offense for IMG Academy during his high school basketball career. Throughout the season, he was given opportunities to show off his playmaking abilities for the Cougars.
Jarace's outside shooting was one of his main areas for improvement heading into the season. Walker has made significant strides forward in his outside shooting since his senior year of high school.
Jarace Walker went on to average respectable numbers during his freshman year. He finished with averages of 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He also shoot 46.5% from the field and 34.7% from the three-point range.
Walker projects to be a sensational connecting piece for his next NBA team. He has the upside of being one of the top defensive assets in the league, with the ability to guard multiple positions at a high level. If Walker can continue to take strides forward when it comes to his shooting, he could become one of the top players from the 2023 NBA draft class down the road.
