Oregon Basketball: Breaking down the 2019 recruiting class

C.J. Walker – Orlando, FL

PF | 6-foot-8 | 200 lbs | No. 27 overall

A physically prepared, high-motor forward, C.J. Walker looks poised to be an immediate impact player in the class. Ranked as the No. 27 overall recruit in the class, Walker comes in with a high pedigree and it seems likely that he will be a major impact player from Day 1. On the offensive end of the floor, he can do a little bit of everything. He is an improving jump shooter, solid creator, and is a terror above the rim and on the offensive glass due to his motor. Defensively, his athleticism and timing are constantly on display as a weak-side shot-blocker.

At this point in time, Walker seems like a solid two-way threat at the collegiate level that should play major minutes from the jump. With Kenny Wooten and Bol Bol both leaving for the NBA this offseason, the Ducks needed another interior shot-blocking threat. Even though Walker is not a center, he should be able to fill some of that lost rim-protecting prowess. He is clearly already a strong defender and his offensive game looks to be developing in many ways.

Walker is the top-rated player in Oregon’s incoming recruiting class and it seems likely that he will be the most impactful as well. The Ducks are projected by many as a potential top-25 team in the country and they will need Walker to be a solid player in order for that to happen. Oregon already has some strong leadership returning with Payton Pritchard leading the show at point guard, but young talent stepping up early will take the team to the next level.

On the whole, this is another great recruiting class for Oregon basketball. Head coach Dana Altman is clearly tremendous when it comes to landing top-tier high school talent and he also secured a commitment from the best JUCO player in the land as well. Hard to argue with that level of success and it will be interesting to see how these newcomers will perform in Eugene.