Walker Hopes To Add Energy, Toughness To Wolfpack
Wyatt Walker was one of the top graduate transfers on the market in the spring once he announced he would be leaving Samford.
Walker had narrowed his list down to NC State, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma State before picking the Wolfpack. For him, the decision came down to head coach Kevin Keatts.
"Honestly, the main reason was Coach Keatts," Walker replied when asked why NC State. "I had built a relationship before when he was at UNCW and got close to him and his staff. I was looking to transfer to a higher level and be part of something bigger. There’s nothing better than joining him here at NC State."
Walker missed the 2017-2018 season due to a torn meniscus, but the year before he was all-conference after averaging 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Checking in at 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, he is a post player for the Wolfpack who is versatile enough to help in multiple areas.
What makes Walker so valuable is he completely understands his role, something that is critical for every player.
"I know my role as a player no matter the team I’m on," he said, laughing. "I’m going to be the hustle guy, the energy guy that scores in the post, rebounds his tail off, takes charges, sets hard screens.
"I know that’s what Coach Keatts wants: get up, play defense, rebound, and go. I think what I can do can translate to that, and that’s my role."
The Wolfpack offense revolves around playmakers, and Walker takes pride in his ability to distribute the ball as a big man.
"I really like catching it in the high post, low post, hitting cutters, hitting guys spotting up for threes," Walker added. "I watch a lot of old videos of Divac... Sabonis, some of those old-school passing big men."
Walker admitted he's excited about the opportunity to play in the ACC against some of the best teams in the country. He has his eye on a few games.
"I’m from Florida, and I know we play two in Miami: Miami and Vanderbilt," he said. "Then the FSU game. Those games will have my friends and family there. Then obviously the games you dream of: playing at Cameron, games like that are going to be awesome."
Kevin Keatts has re-shaped the roster with just four returning contributors from last year's team. Walker is obviously one of the new pieces who should help the Wolfpack compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"I love our roster, top-to-bottom," Walker said. "We have everything you need: we have shooters, we have athletes, we have size, we have guys who can score, we have guys who can create that are playmakers.
"I think Coach Keatts is doing a great job. And we have young guys, plus grad transfers who can help lead. I love our roster."
The big question Wolfpack fans probably have on Walker is his injury history. He is coming off a knee injury that forced him to miss an entire season. How healthy is he heading into this year's campaign?
"I tore my meniscus in the preseason," Walker said. "I did surgery and rehabbed it. I was at 100 percent and had a freak accident in the second game of the season and tore it again. My last surgery was in December so it's been a long time. I'm back at 100 percent and I feel great.
"When I first got here there was a big emphasis on making sure I got my body right before anything. I feel great now. At this point, you just go out there and play. I rarely think about it anymore. Whatever God's plan is, I just go out there and play. Whatever happens, happens."