Walker IV Thankful for College Experience
By Austin Sapin
HurricaneSports.com
Lonnie Walker IV refers to himself as, “just a kid from Reading, Pa.” A day after declaring for the NBA Draft with intentions to sign with an agent, it’s clear though that he is so much more.
Many may perceive that the decision to turn pro for a player like Walker is a simple one, but if you’ve ever met him or heard him talk about his love for ‘The U’, you’ll know this was anything but easy.
“To have this decision be so tough after being here for just one year speaks volumes to how this team is and how the coaches are,” Walker said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
“It made leaving here really hard because of how much I love these guys, how close we became and that strong bond that we created.”
That bond was evident as Walker sat in front of the media on Thursday with the coach he called, “one of the greatest ever.” Jim Larrañaga not only gushed about the talent of the freshman, but the kind of person he is too.
“I told Lonnie yesterday that I am very happy and excited, but also am sad to see him go because from the first day I had the chance to meet and speak with him and got to know him he’s been an extremely personable young man – a talented and gifted young man,” Larrañaga said.
“He’s just a great guy and a great part of our program.”
While the Hurricanes will certainly miss Walker’s unbelievable dunks and circus shots, his kindness and approachability off the court will be missed, too. Win or lose, the freshman would always stop for pictures or to just say “hello.”
Walker certainly thrilled Canes fans at the Watsco Center and traveling UM supporters on the road, but he made it very clear over the last two days that the relationship wasn’t one-sided.
When the freshman declared for the NBA Draft, he wrote in his statement, “This city has welcomed me with open arms and supported me at my lowest of lows, but also my highest of highs.” Then on Thursday Walker opened by saying, “It was an enjoyable ride and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life and I just want to say thank you to the Canes fans and all the people that welcomed me into the city.”
Lonnie Walker IV will spend less than a calendar year in Coral Gables ahead of the NBA Draft on June 21, but the impact that he made in the community, with his teammates and with his coaches can’t be understated.
“We’re going to miss [Lonnie], but we also can’t wait to follow his career knowing that he’s going to be extremely successful at the next level,” Larrañaga said.
“He had a tremendous freshman year, especially considering he had to overcome a major injury to his knee and he rehabbed that and came back so strong. He ended up being our leading scorer in ACC play and helped lead us to the NCAA Tournament and we wish him all the best and know he’s going to make us all proud.”
When Walker announced his intention to declare for the NBA Draft, he released his statement where he referred to himself again as, “just a kid from Reading, Pa.” Despite playing at the University of Miami for one season, Walker was more than just a kid. He was a role model. He was an outstanding student and, oh yeah, a pretty great basketball player, too.
Watch Lonnie and Coach L’s Press Conference: https://gocan.es/2q8jpTn
