per Andy Katz
Walker, Patton, Thabeet updatesposted: Thursday, October 26, 2006 | Feedback | Print Entry
The Kennesaw State ticket has never been hotter in Manhattan, Kan.
That's right, the Kansas State-Kennesaw State game on Dec. 17 (part of the Las Vegas Classic) is now looking like the debut of Bill Walker, one of the top players in the high school class of 2007.
Well, Walker is now a late member of the class of 2006 since he is on his way to graduating from North College Hill High in Ohio. Kansas State officials confirmed he has been admitted to the university and ESPN.com has learned that Walker was waved through at the NCAA Clearinghouse, too.
A source close to Kansas State told ESPN.com that the Wildcats will sign Walker on Nov. 8 (the first day of the early-signing period) so they can officially talk about him and deal with his entrance to the school. The Wildcats have a scholarship available for this season, but can't put him on one until the start of the next semester. Walker likely won't be on campus before December, since he can't practice until he's in school.
The Wildcats got a double dose of good news Wednesday when they got a commitment from Dominique Sutton, a 6-4 wing on Beasley's DC Assault summer league team. The Wildcats also already have a commitment from Michael Beasley, a 6-foot-9 forward in the class of 2007 who has three inches on Walker but isn't as much of a high-flyer. Beasley has been ranked at times as the top player in next year's class.
Walker should be back in Manhattan in 2007, as well, since the NBA is adamant that he can't declare for the draft in June. Tim Frank of the NBA said the league isn't budging. A player isn't eligible until a year after he graduates high school, which for Walker wouldn't be until the fall of 2007, making him eligible for the 2008 draft.
Walker's addition makes the 2006-07 Wildcats even tougher to defend on the wing, as he will join returnees Cartier Martin, David Hoskins and Akeem Wright. It doesn't solve the issue at the point, though, where JC transfer Blake Young will play some, even though he's a combo guard. The obvious choice to stay at the point, even though it may not be his natural position, is Clent Stewart.
Regardless, Walker is pulling a move that is common in football, where players graduate early and are in spring practice while their classmates are getting ready for the prom. The difference here is that football players don't play in meaningful games while they're still high school age. Walker has a shot to be in the NCAA Tournament while his classmates are planning their final spring break in high school.
