Lonnie Walker InterviewBy: Evan Tomes

6’5 Miami shooting guard commit Lonnie Walker had an impressive week in Chicago, where we got a chance to catch up with him at the McDonald’s All American game. The athletic shooting guard had a stand out senior year, winning the state championship and was named to both the McDonald’s Game and Jordan Brand Classic. He figures to be a one and done, possible lotto pick if he plays to his abilities next season at Miami. We sat down with Walker, here’s what he had to say.

NBADraft.net: How has Chicago and McDonald’s week been?

Lonnie Walker: It’s actually been very very good. I’m shooting the ball really well, playing very aggressive, defensively I’m doing what I have to do, knocking down open shots, showing my athleticism, just showing my overall game has been over exceeding how I’ve been playing.

NBADraft.net: Do you feel like you have anything to prove playing in this game?

Lonnie Walker: Oh yeah. Definitely got a lot of things to prove. Everyone’s got something to prove. Everyone knows I can shoot, to be able to prove I can handle the ball as well, pass the ball as well, and show a little bit more of my athleticism. I can’t wait.

NBADraft.net: What separates you from your peers who are playing in this game?

Lonnie Walker: Just my consistent effort day by day. Never going to see me at 80%, always going at 110% and my shooting ability. My shooting and my passing ability I think excels a lot of people. I can shoot the ball really well and I can pass the ball like anyone else.

NBADraft.net: How would you best describe your game to somebody?

Lonnie Walker: Very crafty guard. Shoot the ball, pass the ball really well, and a vocal leader.

NBADraft.net: Do you have anyone you model your game after?

Lonnie Walker: Not really. I don’t really watch sports all like that off of basketball but no. Just like playing myself. Just being the best Lonnie Walker I can be.

NBADraft.net: What’s the main thing you want to add or work on before you go to college?

Lonnie Walker: Maybe add a few more pounds, get a little bit stronger, and being consistently on attack mode. Sometimes I have my moments where I’m lackadaisical but consistently scoring, consistently being a threat, and just dominating the game.

NBADraft.net: What attracted you to Miami?

Lonnie Walker: Just building a bond with the coach. Coach Larranaga and I got a very close bond. I know he’s going to make me a better man on and off the court, academically wise, and also just with basketball. He knows a lot about the game, a lot of connects, the coaching staff, the trainers, everything. I feel like I can become a well-done player.

NBADraft.net: Has anyone been a big influence on your basketball career?

Lonnie Walker: My father by far. He was a thousand points, thousand rebounds player at a D3 college. He knows so much about the game that I still don’t know about. He’s still giving me tours on things I need to work on, improve, or do certain things so he’s helped me out more than anyone else.

NBADraft.net: What’s been the biggest moment of you career so far?

Lonnie Walker: Finally winning the State Championship and bringing it home to the city of Reading. That game was more so bigger than basketball. It was all about them.

NBADraft.net: At what age did you realize basketball was something you wanted to pursue?

Lonnie Walker: About the end of my eighth grade year going into my freshman year. Seeing I can excel and just playing really well against other players.

NBADraft.net: Did you make any changes to your diet or workout routine when you wanted to make that jump?

Lonnie Walker: Not really. I love to eat food period so I really didn’t really change but just my work ethic. Jogging in the morning, competing, playing against myself, shooting, dribbling, you name it, that’s what I did. I just worked harder than anyone else.

NBADraft.net: If you could go back and give advice to a ninth grade Lonnie Walker what would you say?

Lonnie Walker: Just continue to work hard and your future depends on how hard you work out when you’re by yourself.

NBADraft.net: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Lonnie Walker: Five years from now…hopefully owning a few businesses and being able to be my own boss.