Hoosier Men's Hoops: Sights Set on Senior Anthony Walker
Earlier in 2023, Anthony Walker came off the bench for the Miami Hurricanes during their 2nd round victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2023 NCAA tournament. Following Miami's first ever run to the Final Four, the senior decided it was time for a change of scenery. Not long after entering the transfer portal, Walker elected to join his former opponents as a member of the 2023-2024 Hoosiers.
Walker's sophomore season at Miami offered a glimpse of serious development, although his role and numbers progressively declined in each of the next two seasons. In spite of this, it was clear that Mike Woodson saw some things in Walker's game that he liked during their matchup earlier this year. Through the team's first 10 games, we have all had a chance to see what he saw.
Walker has been the Hoosiers' most reliable member of the bench, and has provided energy on both sides of the ball. In only 13.9 minutes a night, he has averaged 6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Those numbers definitely do not leap off of the page, but they certainly certify his presence. His impact is more so felt outside of traditional box score measures, and you have to pay attention to the details when he is on the floor to truly understand his contributions. He is a 6'8" athletic freak with a rangy wingspan. He brings toughness on the floor, and can capably be called upon to switch on to swifter threats.
With Mackenzie Mgbako struggling earlier on in the season, Walker has been able to pick up some of the slack. The senior may not turn in any monstrous scoring performances this season, but he does not have to do so in order for his time in Bloomington to be labeled a success. He has already been a net positive for this team to begin the season, and as long as he can at least sustain his current level of energy he should remain an integral part of this rotation. He had been on a bit of mini individual tear prior to staying primarily invisible in the team's contest with Kansas, but he does not need to put up insane numbers to engrave his impact.