Walker and Gak Shine in Brooklyn

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami men’s basketball signees Lonnie Walker IV and Deng Gak turned heads Friday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

After being named the AP Class 6A Player of the Year Friday afternoon, capping off a tremendous career at Reading High School leading the Red Knight’s to their first PIAA Class 6A championship, Walker once again stole the show leading the West to a 124-116 come-from-behind victory at the Global Showcase – Jordan Brand Classic.

Walker scored seven consecutive points midway through the third quarter to turn the game around for the West, while finishing the evening with a co-team-high 19 points.

Shooting 8-of-14 from the field and displaying his long-range ability knocking down a pair of threes, Walker was named the West team’s Jordan Brand Classic MVP.

“I knew what I could do and I’m beyond ecstatic that I’m here,” Walker said. “Meeting Michael Jordan, being able to pick Ray Allen’s brain, so many things here contribute to my motivation and wanting to give my all to this game. Playing against all these top players and then winning this and I’m not even a top 10 or top five player means I’m continuing to progress in my game.”

Walker wasn’t the only Hurricane’s signee to take the courts Friday afternoon as Deng Gak competed in the Jordan Brand regional game earlier Friday afternoon.

In just 18 minutes, the native of Sydney, Australia, recorded 19 points and nine rebounds using his length to dominate in the paint. 

Gak, who played his high school ball at Blair Academy in New Jersey, shot a perfect 8-of-8 from the field, highlighted by a strong finish at the basket midway through the second half where he was able to complete the and-1 conversion.

Both Walker and Gak are expected to arrive on the UM campus in time for the Summer B session of classes, which begin July 6.