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Deone Walker teases Kentucky fans about trying out for basketball

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•08/04/24•

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(Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio)

The Kentucky men’s basketball team is holding open tryouts for the final available slot on its roster. On Sunday, Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker teased fans when he quoted a tweet about the tryouts, insinuating he may be in attendance.

Walker could certainly add size to Kentucky’s frontcourt. At 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, Walker makes opposing SEC linemen look little. Last season, Walker put his size to good use on the gridiron, leading the Wildcats in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8).

Perhaps Walker could also find a role on the hardwood. If Walker does attend the tryouts, other bright-eyed competitors better keep their heads on a swivel for any spine-cracking screens. Moreover, it’ll be in their best interest not to try to draw a foul on the hulking figure.

It wouldn’t be the first time Kentucky men’s basketball has welcomed an athlete from another spot onto its roster. In 2020, then-head coach John Calipari added Kentucky pitcher Ben Jordan to his roster to provide depth in the frontcourt. Walker could be Kentucky’s next great two-sport athlete.

After all, Walker has history on the hardwood. In an interview with the Lexington Herald-Leader last year, Walker’s high school basketball coach, Steve Hall, reflected on Walker’s talent.

“Just a passionate basketball player,” Cass Tech basketball coach Steve Hall “We would have basketball games in the fall where he wouldn’t be able to participate because it was football season but he may drive 20 miles just to come sit there. When he came in the door, even when he wasn’t playing, I think it was a statement to our team as well as the opposing team. 

“The thing that really made him a good basketball player was that with his size he was unique because of his IQ and feel,” Hall continued. “He was somebody that I could put in the high post that could throw backdoor passes, that had the wherewithal of what was going on. He wasn’t just some big body that was banging around.”

As entertaining as it may be, Kentucky fans shouldn’t expect to see Deone Walker throwing down slam dunks anytime soon. In ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft, Walker was projected to be the No. 21 overall pick. A twisted ankle on the hardwood wouldn’t be beneficial to his chances of excelling at the next level.

Obviously, expectations are high for Walker in the 2024 campaign. Athlon Sports and Phil Steele named Walker a preseason Second-Team All-American. He has also already been named a Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List selection.