Florida State Basketball: What impact will five-star recruit M.J. Walker have?

The Florida State Seminoles received huge news when five-star recruit M.J. Walker announced his commitment to the team. But what is the impact of his decision?

M.J. Walker is headed to the Florida State Seminoles after a much-awaited recruitment period, and he looks to have an immediate positive impact on his new team.

Walker, who is a 6’5, 205-pound shooting guard out of Lithia Springs, Georgia, was highly sought after with teams like the UCLA Bruins and Kansas Jayhawks offering him scholarships before he decided to commit to FSU.

It probably isn’t as big of a factor as I am making it out to be, but Florida State is just a little over a four-hour drive from Walker’s hometown. With home relatively nearby compared to other schools, friends and family would be able to come see him play for the Seminoles and that could have had an impact on his decision to come to Tallahassee over another destination.

Here is just some of what he can do:

Rivals has Walker ranked No. 24 nationally in the Class of 2017, while 247 Sports has him at No. 26.  He should immediately start for this FSU squad, replacing Dwayne Bacon or Xavier Rathan-Mayes in the lineup. With so many top scorers gone from the Seminoles’ roster, Walker should be able to star offensively for Florida State.

Next: Best NBA fits Jonathan Isaac

Florida State would have been my favorite to win the ACC next season (yes, even over Duke) if Jonathan Isaac and Bacon or Rathan-Mayes had returned, but they chose to go to the NBA. Instead, I believe the Seminoles are a sleeper team in the ACC. While everyone has their eyes on Louisville, Duke, and UNC, FSU will thrive.