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2018 NBA Draft: Lonnie Walker is struggling to start the season at Miami

By Max Holm

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes brings the basketball upcoast during the second half against the Gardner Webb Runnin Bulldogs at The Watsco Center on November 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes brings the basketball upcoast during the second half against the Gardner Webb Runnin Bulldogs at The Watsco Center on November 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Lonnie Walker is an All-American wing with two-way potential, but is so far struggling to make an impact after coming back from injury.

With Bruce Brown Jr. and company returning, incoming freshman Lonnie Walker seemed like the missing piece in the puzzle for a possible Final Four run for Miami. Walker was an elite high school player and a McDonald’s All-American. He tore it up in Reading, Pennsylvania, coming in as a potential lottery pick.

Walker stands around 6’5″ with an excellent wingspan, making him a prototypical wing. Thanks to quick feet and length, he may be able to guard 1-3. He was a 40 percent 3-point shooter in Nike’s AAU EYBL competition, per Draft Express. Everything looked promising for he and the U.

An Injured All-American

Then Walker tore his meniscus, putting the season in doubt. Credit to the incoming freshman though, who worked his way back to return for the season opener. Though he mounted a comeback, he hasn’t looked like the same player so far.

Now, the first two things that come to mind are that he probably is still finding himself and his confidence post-injury, while he adjusts to the college game. Even before his lack of production, Walker had been coming off the bench for Miami. He continues to do so. Walker has to earn a starting spot after coming into a top-15 team nationally.

A rough start

Even though he’s shown flashes defensively, his offense has been rough. The key to that side of the ball is his 3-ball, which has not been falling. On the season, in just 21 minutes a night, Walker is averaging 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game, while hitting 25 percent of his 3s.

College basketball is a long season and the Canes should be playing deep into March. However, with some emerging talent and the strength of the 2017 freshman class, Walker may not be in contention for the NBA Draft. That’s not necessarily a bad thing and a few NBA teams may still like his potential. Walker could always end up a first round pick. However, talk of a possible lottery talent will probably be at ease for the time being.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board - Mid-November

Walker is still an incredible prospect, who because of the injury may be better off with an extra year at school. The chances of him turning around his production are still possible though, so we shouldn’t right anything off just yet. With his build, speed and length, if he starts to get more confident offensively, look out for Miami in March and Walker as a future NBA talent.

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