2023-24 Indiana basketball player profile: Anthony Walker – Inside the Hall

As the start of college basketball season approaches, we have shifted from examining other Big Ten programs to providing player-by-player previews of the 2023-24 Indiana roster.

Today, let’s take a closer look at graduate student Anthony Walker.

Previously: Jakai Newton, Mackenzie Mgbako, Gabe Cupps, Kel’el Ware, Malik Reneau, Kaleb Banks, CJ Gunn, Payton Sparks, Anthony Leal, Trey Galloway

In a poised manner, Anthony Walker expressed his reasons for choosing IU during the program’s media day.

“I would say (Mike) Woodson and ‘X’ (Xavier Johnson). Because Woodson is an esteemed coach, everyone recognizes coach Mike Woodson’s impact on the sport,” Walker said. “Being able to ask him questions and learn from him for a year was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

“I’ve known ‘X’ for four or five years now… I shadowed him on my visit to Pitt when I was in high school. Spending time with him here, witnessing his dedication, his will to win, made the decision so much easier.”

The 6-foot-8 forward joined the Bloomington campus in late summer after completing his degree at the University of Miami (FL). At Miami, Walker averaged 4.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 15.1 minutes per game. While he started 16 games and averaged 9.6 points in the 2020-21 season, he only started three other games throughout his career. Last season, he played an average of 10.1 minutes per game, the lowest of his career.

With a solid build at 215 pounds, Walker possesses the physicality to hold his own in the post, as well as being an effective slasher and cutter. Around 42% of his field goal attempts come at the rim, where he converts 65% of the time. Utilizing his strong jab and long first step, he can drive to the rim against bigger and slower defenders. However, he is not the primary ball-handler that Mike Woodson would prefer.

Last season, Walker struggled with his shooting from beyond the arc, making only 3 out of 24 attempts (12.5%). Since arriving at IU, he has been working on improving his shooting. Woodson and the coaching staff have encouraged him to feel more comfortable taking open three-pointers, attacking the basket from the perimeter.

Fortunately, Indiana does not heavily rely on Walker to shoot at a high percentage from beyond the arc. Instead, he can cause problems for opposing defenses by running the baseline and positioning himself in the dunker spot. On scramble possessions where the ball moves well on the perimeter, he will prove to be valuable.

Walker can also make an impact in transition. His athleticism allows him to excel as a rim runner, able to run the floor quickly. While he may not be the best rim protector, he presents challenges for guards when switching or hedging on pick and rolls.

It is unlikely that Walker will be a starter for Indiana, but his length, experience, and athleticism will earn him consistent minutes.

“I plan to be the fastest guy in the Big Ten,” Walker stated. “I take pride in being the first guy back on defense and the first guy under the rim on offense.”

What sets Walker apart from the rest of Indiana’s roster is his experience with deep runs in the NCAA tournament. Having reached the Sweet Sixteen under Jim Larrañaga at Miami, he brings valuable winning experience to a Hoosier team that has had recent postseason success but has not advanced past the Sweet Sixteen since 2016.

Walker showed great enthusiasm and engagement during IU’s media day. He considers himself a dancer and hopes that Woodson will allow him to have fun on and off the court. His knowledge of the game and ability to communicate make him a potential glue guy for the Hoosiers coming off the bench.

Bottom Line: Indiana’s frontcourt will undergo significant changes this season, with only one player returning from last year’s rotation, Malik Reneau. Walker’s skill set is similar to Jordan Geronimo’s and he will fit well in that role, but his experience sets him apart. While he won’t be expected to play more than 20 minutes per game, his consistent energy and enthusiasm on the court will make him a valuable addition to the team.

Quotable: “Of course, I’m going to try to be the most athletic, be myself. I bring joy, goofiness; I will make sure everyone stays loose, even in tough situations. I take pride in creating a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.” – Walker on his off-court contributions to Indiana.

Filed to: 2023-24 season preview, Anthony Walker