NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 4 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
6. Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
Walter was considered a Top 10 prospect in the Class of 2023 and there was certainly a fight for his services. Scott Drew came through with his latest recruiting victory, bringing the talented guard to Waco as a freshman this past season. During what would be another solid season for the Bears, Walter showcased his talent as one of the best freshmen in the nation, living up to most of that preseason hype.
The freshman would average 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds, joining a new-look Baylor backcourt that really benefited from his skills. Not only did his efforts earn him Third Team All-Big 12, he was named the league’s Rookie of the Year, finishing 8th in points. Walter would be the leading scorer on a deep, balanced Baylor team that finished third in the Big 12 but didn’t have a deep postseason run.
Walter wasted no time beginning his career, scoring 28 points against Auburn in his debut back in November. More 20-point efforts would come, including a 23-point effort in a tough loss to Houston late in the year. He showed up for the NCAA Tournament, with 19 points in a win over Colgate and 20 in the season-ending loss to Clemson. Walter did just what Baylor wanted and showed that his future is bright.