Chris Walker is returning for another year with the Florida Gators
By Joe Nardone
Apr 5, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies center Amida Brimah (35) reaches for a loose ball against Florida Gators forward Chris Walker (23) during the semifinals of the Final Four in the 2014 NCAA Mens Division I Championship tournament at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
We get it, guys. Chris Walker making an announcement that he is coming back to play for the Florida Gators feels rather unnecessary. You’re not the first cool kid to make that observation. However, you might also be ignoring why he felt like he had to say something at all.
You know, because enough NBA teams were actually interested in him and his future plans.
1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game don’t exactly scream NBA Draft awesomeness. Yet, Walker came to Florida with a lot of expectations and a lot more of a presumable upside that people thought he could be a first-round NBA talent.
An NCAA suspension happened early in the year. That wasn’t the lone reason Walker’s college career hasn’t been as amazing as some assumed. A bevy of talent was also ahead of him, resulting in Walker only averaging 14.8 minutes per game. Meaning, Walker’s minutes were limited due to some things out of his control.
Chris Walker can play, though. So, at least if you are a Florida Gators fan, this is good news. Especially when considering the amount of talent the Gators are losing now that the season is over.
Also, I’d like to announce that I too am not declaring for the NBA Draft.