NCAA Basketball: Analyzing 10 finalists for five-star guard Ja’Kobe Walter

Kansas Jayhawks

Even after winning the championship, the title for best program in the region wouldn’t go to Baylor but instead the Kansas Jayhawks. And after landing star point guard Remy Martin, they look to get back to being the best in the Big 12 for next season. But after he and recent grad transfer pickup Jalen Coleman-Lands depart after next year, the shooting guard spot would be wide open for Walter, playing alongside another sharpshooter in Christian Braun.

The Jayhawks are also targeting another five-star recruit in small forward Mark Mitchell, a local player they have a better shot at landing. Mitchell and Walter could certainly play alongside each other but if Kansas doesn’t think they have the best shot, they may focus all of their attention towards Mitchell. And if there’s any sign of possible postseason sanctions regarding longtime illegal recruiting accusations, this recruit may want to go elsewhere.

Memphis Tigers

As the lone team not in either the state of Texas or Big 12/SEC, the Tigers and head coach Penny Hardaway is hoping to give Walter a compelling reason to pick them. The program has underperformed expectations recently but is coming off an NIT title. There’s been a lot of roster turnover, including on the wings.

Miami transfer Earl Timberlake has joined, along with Chandler and Johnathan Lawson. Lester Quinones and Landers Nolley are still around, while Memphis brings in a pair of four-star wings in John Camden and Joshua Minott. There’s just a lot of traffic for Walter when it comes to potential playing time and while he may be more talented on paper, there are other options that are more clear in terms of PT. And he can stay close to home doing so.