Ja'Kobe Walter

Last updated
Ja'Kobe Walter
Ja'Kobe Walter.jpg
Walter with the Baylor Bears in 2024
No. 14–Toronto Raptors
Position Shooting guard
League NBA
Personal information
Born (2004-09-04) September 4, 2004 (age 20)
Dallas, Texas, U.S
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school
College Baylor (2023–2024)
NBA draft 2024: 1st round, 19th overall pick
Selected by the Toronto Raptors
Playing career2024–present
Career history
2024–present Toronto Raptors
2024 →Raptors 905
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Stats at Basketball Reference   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Ja'Kobe Amare Walter (born September 4, 2004) is an American basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Baylor Bears. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class.

Contents

Early life and high school career

Walter grew up in McKinney, Texas and initially attended McKinney High School. [1] A shooting guard, he averaged 23.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game as a junior as McKinney won the state championship. [2] Walter transferred to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri prior to the start of his senior year. [3] Walter was selected to play in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game during his senior year. [4] [5] He was also selected to play for Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit. [6]

Recruiting

Walter was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class, according to major recruiting services. [7] [8] [9] On June 22, 2022, he committed to playing college basketball for Baylor over offers from Texas, Auburn and Alabama. [10]

College recruiting information
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Ja'Kobe Walter
SG 		McKinney, TX Link Academy (MO)6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)185 lb (84 kg)Jun 22, 2022 
Star ratings: Rivals: 5 stars.svg     247Sports: 5 stars.svg     ESPN: 5 stars.svg    ESPN grade: 93
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 13   247Sports: 8   ESPN: 8
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Baylor 2023 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  • "2023 Baylor Bears Recruiting Class". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  • "2023 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

College career

Walter enrolled at Baylor University in June 2023 to take part in summer practices. [11] In his college debut against Auburn, Walter set the Baylor school record for points in a debut by a freshman, netting 28 on the night. [12] He averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Walter was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year. [13]

Professional career

Toronto Raptors / Raptors 905 (2024–present)

On June 26, 2024, Walter was selected with the 19th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA draft [14] and on July 4, he signed with the team. [15]

However, Walter missed the beginning of the season, including training camp, because of an AC joint sprain. On October 28, 2024, Walter was assigned to the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League, [16] but was eventually recalled on the same day. [17] Walter was assigned to the 905 a second time on October 29, 2024, and was recalled on October 31, 2024. [18]

On November 1, 2024, Walter made his NBA debut. [19]

On November 27, 2024, Walter had received his first NBA start in his career, and he achieved his first double-double with 11 rebounds, 14 points and 5 assists in a 119–93 road win against the New Orleans Pelicans. [20]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2023–24 Baylor 353532.3.376.341.7924.41.41.1.214.5

Personal life

Walter was born and raised in McKinney, Texas, where he has deep family roots. Walter's father, Eddie Walter, played college basketball for Birmingham–Southern College from 1994 to 1996. [21] His parents named him after basketball legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. [22] Walter is a Christian and has said that his faith "allowed him to stay humble and use his gifts to serve others". [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Ellenson</span> American basketball player (born 1997)

Henry John Ellenson is an American professional basketball player for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. He played one season of college basketball for Marquette, before being drafted 18th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2016 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justise Winslow</span> American basketball player (born 1996)

Justise Jon Winslow is an American professional basketball player for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, with whom he won the 2015 NCAA championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kay Felder</span> American basketball player (born 1995)

Kahlil Ameer "Kay" Felder Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Felder, a 5-foot-9-inch (1.75 m) point guard, declared for the 2016 NBA draft at the conclusion of his junior year at Oakland. Felder is the Horizon League career assists leader.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jawun Evans</span> American basketball player (born 1996)

Jawun B. Evans is an American professional basketball player for Legia Warsaw of the Polish Basketball League (PLK). A point guard, he played college basketball for Oklahoma State, Evans was named an All-American in the 2016–17 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dewan Hernandez</span> American basketball player (born 1996)

Dewan Antonio Hernandez is an American professional basketball player for Promitheas Patras of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). He played college basketball for the Miami Hurricanes, and played six games for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rawle Alkins</span> American professional basketball player

Rawle Prince Alkins is an American professional basketball player for Hapoel Galil Elyon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats. He played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls in 2018–19.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shamorie Ponds</span> American basketball player (born 1998)

Shamorie Saequan Ponds is an American professional basketball player for the Astros de Jalisco of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP). He played college basketball for the St. John's Red Storm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oshae Brissett</span> Canadian basketball player (born 1998)

Oshae Jahve Brissett is a Canadian professional basketball player who last played for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball in Division I for the Syracuse Orange for two years before signing with the Toronto Raptors as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and the Indiana Pacers in 2021. Brissett joined the Celtics in 2023, where he won his first NBA championship in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reggie Perry (basketball)</span> American basketball player (born 2000)

Reginald Jordan Perry is an American professional basketball player for the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scottie Barnes</span> American basketball player (born 2001)

Scott Wayne Barnes Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles, earning third-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) as a freshman in 2021 and was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Raptors in the 2021 NBA draft. Barnes was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2022. In 2024, Barnes was named to the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which was his first All-Star appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malachi Flynn</span> American basketball player (born 1998)

Malachi Flynn is an American professional basketball player for the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Washington State Cougars and the San Diego State Aztecs. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Johnson (basketball)</span> American basketball player (born 2001)

David Ricardo Johnson is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals, and was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kennedy Chandler</span> American basketball player (born 2002)

Kennedy Collier Chandler is an American professional basketball player for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top point guards in the 2021 class. In his senior season of high school, he was named a McDonald's All-American, as well as being selected to the rosters of the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit.

Kendall Thomas Brown is an American professional basketball player for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Baylor Bears. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the best small forwards in the 2021 class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Davion Mitchell</span> American basketball player (born 1998)

Davion De'Monte Earl Mitchell is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers and the Baylor Bears. He was taken ninth overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darryl Morsell</span> American basketball player

Darryl Morsell is an American professional basketball player for the Mets de Guaynabo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). He played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins and the Marquette Golden Eagles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TyTy Washington Jr.</span> American basketball player (born 2001)

Tyrone Lewis "TyTy" Washington Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Valley Suns of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top point guards in the 2021 class.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Christie (basketball)</span> American basketball player (born 2003)

Cormac Karl "Max" Christie Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Michigan State Spartans of the Big Ten Conference. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top shooting guards in the 2021 class.

Gradey Reed Dick is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. He was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2022 class. A small forward, in 2022, Dick was named the boys Gatorade National Player of the Year. He also runs a podcast on Bleacher Report, called "Welcome Party".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noah Clowney</span> American basketball player (born 2004)

Noah Clowney is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

References

  1. ↑ Dimmitt, Zach (April 30, 2022). "Elite In-State SG Ja'Kobe Walter Visiting Texas this Weekend". SI.com . Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Baylor lands 5-star shooting guard Ja'Kobe Walter". The New York Times . June 21, 2022. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  3. ↑ McFarland, Shawn (May 5, 2022). "McKinney five-star junior Ja'Kobe Walter will play final season at Link Academy (Mo.)". Dallas Morning News . Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Baylor signee Walter named McDonald's All-American". Waco Tribune-Herald . January 24, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  5. ↑ Wert, Jason (January 27, 2023). "Link Academy's Walter to play in McDonald's All American Game". Branson Tri-Lakes News . Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  6. ↑ Vecenie, Sam (February 14, 2023). "Bronny James, DJ Wagner, 'JuJu' Watkins headline Nike Hoop Summit rosters". The Athletic . Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  7. ↑ McFarland, Shawn (April 21, 2022). "Four Dallas-area freshmen highlight ESPN top 25 boys basketball recruits list for the class of 2025". Dallas Morning News . Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  8. ↑ Bedore, Gary (May 6, 2022). "Kansas Jayhawks basketball recruiting update: No. 17 player in 2023 class has KU on list". The Kansas City Star . Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  9. ↑ Jenkins, Brandon (May 4, 2022). "Composite five-star guard Ja'Kobe Walter announces his top eight". 247Sports . Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  10. ↑ Borzello, Jeff and Biancardi, Paul (June 22, 2022). "ESPN 100 recruit Ja'Kobe Walter chooses 'winning history,' will join Baylor men's basketball program". ESPN.com . Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  11. ↑ Hodge, Ashley (June 14, 2023). "Wingspan Wednesday: Summer Basketball Workouts Begin at Baylor". Sicem365.com. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  12. ↑ Miner, Andrew (November 7, 2023). "Ja'Kobe Walter Breaks Baylor Freshman Scoring Record in Bears season opening win". 247Sports . Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  13. ↑ Brennan, Brian (May 21, 2024). "Sixers draft profile: Ja'Kobe Walter has intriguing shooting, scoring upside". NBC Sports . Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  14. ↑ Rose, Aaron (June 27, 2024). "Raptors Share Excitement & Scouting Report for New 1st Round Pick". SI.com. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  15. ↑ "RAPTORS SIGN WALTER, MOGBO AND SHEAD". NBA.com. July 4, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  16. ↑ Rose, Aaron (October 28, 2024). "Raptors Share Plans for Rookie 1st Round Pick as Injury Ramp Up Continues". si.com. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Raptors' Ja'Kobe Walter: Recalled to NBA". cbssports.com. October 29, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Ja'Kobe Walter F #14". basketball.realgm.com.
  19. ↑ Taylor, Cody (November 25, 2024). "Raptors recall Ja'Kobe Walter from G League after productive 905 stint". sports.yahoo.com.
  20. ↑ Grange, Michael (November 28, 2024). "Raptors Takeaways: Contributions from entire lineup lead to first road win". sportsnet.ca.
  21. ↑ "Ja'Kobe Walter Parents". Sportskeeda. June 19, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  22. ↑ "Toronto Raptors draft Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter 19th overall in NBA Draft". The Globe and Mail. 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  23. ↑ Kruse, Ethan (January 25, 2023). "Ja'Kobe Walter - Keep God First". His Huddle. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.