Ja'Kobe Walter on his commitment to Baylor

Ja'Kobe Walter (6-6 190 lbs) discusses his decision to call Baylor home.  The top shooting guard in the nation discusses the fit, his wingspan, what he plans to study at Baylor and building a relationship with Miro Little.  

Conversation With Ja’Kobe Walter

Ja’Kobe- I interviewed you almost a year ago after your unofficial visit to Baylor.  Baylor was the first school that offered you.  What was it about the official visit that made you decide that Baylor was the place for you?  

Ja’Kobe Walter:  It was a combination of a lot of things.  Ultimately, just trust in the staff.  They have built an amazing culture focused on winning, player development and developing the whole person.  Keyonte George hosted me on my official visit and I think there are some similarities in the way we play.  He loves it.  

I’ve seen Wesley Yates retweeting a lot of the commitment comments.  I remember you telling me last year that he was a player in the 2023 class that you had a great relationship with.  Would you love to play with him at Baylor?

Walter:  Of course, he’s one of the best players in the 23 class and he just cares about winning like I do.  But I want him to do what is best for him at the end of the day.  

Last year, you mentioned Kahwi Leonard and Kevin Durant as players that you tried to emulate parts of their game.  I see some Jaylen Brown in your game as well.  Have you heard that comparison?

Walter:  Yes, a little Paul George also.  It is an honor to be compared to great players like that.  I have a long way to go to live up to it but I’m in love with the process of getting better.  

I asked you what your wingspan was last year and you didn’t know.  Have you had it measured since then?

Walter:  Yes, at USA Basketball.  I want to say it was 6-10 if I remember correctly.  

I listened to an interview that Matt Mosley did with your high school coach at McKinney.  He mentioned that your competitive fire was perhaps your greatest trait.  He said you hate losing.  Where did that will to win come from?

Walter:  Probably from my dad.  He was a grimy basketball player.  He played at Birmingham Southern.  He’s instilled in me doing whatever it takes to win.  You don’t have to score to have an effect on winning.  

What do you want to study at Baylor?  

Walter:  Business, something with entrepreneurship most likely.  

Baylor has a great entrepreneurship program.  You picked a great school for what you want to study and the basketball part is as good as it gets as well.  What was it about the style of play and the opportunity as a freshman that appealed to you?

Walter:  I knew they would probably lose a few guys in the backcourt after this season.  I love how they use guards in ball screens and the development of their guards.  The vibe around the program is just so positive.  

Miro Little is another highly touted guard commitment for Baylor in the 2023 class.  He’s playing next year at Sunrise Christian.  You will be at Link Academy.  You all will probably play each other a few times.  Are you in communication with him already?  

Walter:  Yes for sure

Have you seen videos of him?  How familiar are you with his game?  

Walter:  Yeah, he’s a pro.  His court vision and passing are unbelievable.  I can’t wait to play with him.  

Just to make sure we are accurate on height and weight, are 6-6 190 lb good numbers?  

Walter:  Yes 

Was it a consideration to stay closer to home for college?  I know you are headed to Branson, Missouri for your senior season.  How important was it to be close for college so that your family could watch you play more in person?

Walter:  Not a huge consideration, but it didn’t hurt.  I’m glad that they will be able to come watch a lot of games in person.