St. John’s Recruiting: Derrick Walker decision looms

Could Kansas City product Derrick Walker be caught up in a New York state of mind?

Well, after unofficially visiting St. John’s this past weekend, this 6-foot-8 forward is expected to make his college decision soon, according to reports from Adam Zagoria.

“I’m going to meet with my people and hopefully make a decision soon,” he told Zagoria. When later asked if he could decide this week, Walker told ZagsBlog, “Possibly.”

These statements come fresh off St. John’s contest against Xavier, one in which Walker attended on his visit. The Musketeers fended off the Red Storm by an 82-77 score at Madison Square Garden.

“It was pretty good,” he told ZagsBlog in regards to St. John’s pitch. “The message was they pretty much need a big with size, a guy that can rebound, a guy they can throw the ball into, a guy who can have a post presence.”

If you ask recruiting contributors at 247 Sports, this message was conveyed well to Walker. Two predictions have come in since Monday, and both envision him committing to St. John’s.

“I got a chance to sit down with all of the coaches,” Walker told Zagoria. “It was pretty nice. New York is always moving and it’s a little upscale, so it’s nice.”

Although the Red Storm seem to be trending, do not count out SEC teams Tennessee and Georgia, who both recently hosted Walker.

As Walker’s coach from Sunrise Christian told ZagsBlog, whichever team lands him will be getting a tough defender and rebounder. Coach Luke Barnwell also added that Walker needs to develop perimeter skills to maximize his potential.

St. John’s could greatly use Walker’s size and presence down low. Although serviceable, current Red Storm big men lag behind in the talent-laden Big East. Red Storm staff unexpectedly lost both Zach Brown and Yankuba Sima, asserting the need for frontcourt reinforcement.

Was St. John’s pitch enough to sway Walker? According to Adam Zagoria’s recent reports, that answer is upcoming.