No. 1 seed Houston is rolling its way into the Sweet 16 and freshman forward Jarace Walker, a potential top-five pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is making his presence felt.
The 19-year-old has been a dominant interior force on both ends of the floor all season. Averaging 11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game, Walker earned AAC Rookie of the Year and All-AAC Second Team honors. He played a key role in Houston's highest final ranking (AP No. 2) since 1982-83 — the last time the Cougars reached the National Championship game.
What would Walker bring to an NBA franchise that selects him? The Sporting News takes a deeper dive below.
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Jarace Walker NBA Draft scouting report
Jarace Walker strengths
Walker's physical tools are his biggest asset as a 6-8, 240-pound forward with a reported 7-2 wingspan. When you factor in his fluid mobility, lateral quickness for his size, and pure athleticism, the 19-year-old is the exact archetype of what NBA teams are looking for in a power forward in today's NBA.
Walker has emerged as one of the best all-around defenders in his draft class, using his physicality and length to anchor the paint against bigs while also capable of holding his own on perimeter switches against guards.
He has evaporated some shots in the NCAA Tournament, using his quick-twitch instincts to come out of nowhere and protect the rim on multiple occasions.
On offense, Walker is a constant threat in the dunker spot with great hands and leaping verticality to rise up and throw down lobs. He will muscle defenders for position on the block to create easy looks at the basket and can score with a surprisingly soft touch on hook shots or push shots in the paint.
Walker has also flashed an ability to stretch the floor, knocking down 32 of his 93 3-point attempts (34.4%) in the regular season.
Walker's adaptability is what makes him so special as a prospect, as evidenced by his freshman season at Houston. In some games, he's strictly been a shutdown defender and tenacious rebounder. In other games, he's dominating inside and adding some offensive firepower.
It's tough to pass up his combination of physical tools and moldable skills.
Jarace Walker weaknesses
Most of Walker's limitations come on the offensive end, where he does have a tendency to disappear at times. He scored less than 10 points and attempted fewer than 10 shots in 16 of his 33 games played this season. It reminds me of Heat star center Bam Adebayo a bit, who is a monster when he's determined to have an offensive impact but doesn't always demand the ball.
While Walker has shown glimpses of a 3-point shot, he's still far from a knockdown floor-stretcher. He shot 63.5 percent on 74 free throw attempts this season — a surprisingly low conversion rate for a big man with some touch.
Walker could also improve as a passer and ball-handler, but it would be unfair to expect him to be polished in those areas as a 19-year-old forward.
Jarace Walker NBA Mock Draft projection
Mock Draft projection: Top five pick
I expect Walker to be the second college prospect selected in June after Alabama's Brandon Miller. He already has the physical tools to impact both ends of the floor in the NBA. The glimpses of his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter are promising for his offensive versatility.
Jarace Walker NBA player comparison
NBA player comparison: Shawn Marion
Walker is listed as an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than Marion but I see some similarities in their playstyle. Walker's energy and defensive versatility are comparable to Marion's, as is his ability to keep opposing defenses honest by knocking down the occasional 3.
