![]() We've seen a handful of possessions this season that reminded us of Walker's old ways, but nothing that should make NBA decision makers overly concerned. This is a very good sign, especially considering the huge role he's forced to shoulder offensively. He is at times criticized for questionable shot selection and a penchant for playing out of control, but Walker's turnover rate is down substantially this year. The fact that he's already a prolific pick-and-roll threat will only make his transition to the next level easier. He seems to enjoy making his teammates better and there's no reason to think that won't continue in the NBA where he'll be surrounded by more talented players. Walker is noted for his strong intangibles and has showed improved leadership skills this season. He's capable of threading the needle to teammates rolling to the basket with bullet passes, finding open shooters on the wing, and making fundamentally-sound entry passes into the post for high percentage looks around the rim. UConn cannot survive without Walker scoring in bunches.ĭigging deeper into his film, there are still plenty of instances where Walker's outstanding court vision and creative passing shine through. While his stats this season may lead some to the impression that he has gone away from that, his increased production stems from necessity more than anything. The Rice High School product was known as an unselfish playmaker earlier in his career. He shows great strength and toughness around the basket and is getting to the free throw line at an exceptional rate. He's not afraid to drive full steam into the paint and draw contact at the rim, either. His aggressiveness with the ball, ability to change speed and direction instantaneously, and phenomenal body control allow him to knife through defenses effortlessly. It's simply impossible for defenders to stay in front of him both in transition and in the half-court. Often quick to defer to teammates in his first two years at UConn Walker is embracing his role as the end-all, be-all offensive catalyst for the Huskies. Walker has always had terrific quickness and ball-handling ability, but it's only this year seemingly that he's really learned to use them at all times. It's also made his shot fake (a frequent part of his arsenal) more credible, which has, in turn, made him an even more effective threat slashing to the basket. ![]() The fact that he can find the space to get his shot off whenever he pleases makes him that much more difficult to guard, particularly at this level. He's absolutely deadly now both with his feet set and off the bounce. ![]() Walker wasn't known as a great shooter coming out of high school, but he has put an unbelievable amount of time into improving his mechanics and increasing his range over the past few years. He's converting 41% of his over six 3-point attempts per game and has been absolutely terrific pulling up off the dribble in the mid-range area (sometimes using the glass) and hitting shots from beyond the arc. That rate although sure to drop as the season progresses is impressive, but Walker's perimeter shooting is what has caught our eye the most so far. With the loss of seniors Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson, and Gavin Edwards, Walker has nearly doubled his field goal attempts per game, but he has also experienced a remarkable spike in efficiency, making an exceptional 59% of his 2-pointers. His production speaks for itself right now, as he currently ranks as the No. Walker scored 90 points in 99 total minutes to take home MVP honors and officially stake his claim as the top point guard in college basketball. The New York City native took the Maui Invitational Tournament by storm last week, helping his team win the event with shocking upsets over the likes of Michigan State and Kentucky. One month into the 2010/2011 season, there isn't a more productive player in all of college basketball than UConn junior Kemba Walker. ![]()
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