Ja’Kobe Walter looking at decision after AAU season concludes

Carrollton, Texas – On3 Consensus 4-star shooting guard Ja’Kobe Watler is eyeing a college decision at the conclusion of the AAU season in July. 

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound shooter and scorer that defends at a high level has made an official visit to Auburn, with plans to exhaust the official visit process before the end of July. 

“I plan to make a decision after AAU season,” Walter told On3 Saturday. “Finish out taking all my official visits, or at least two or three more.” 

The schools in line for official visits include Kansas, Arkansas, Texas and a new offer on the table.

“I’m still talking to a good amount. Maybe like 12. schools. I just got the K-State offer, so I’m keeping in touch with them too.”

The offer from Kansas State comes without surprise. The Wildcats staff now having substantial relationships with the hiring of Jerome Tang as head coach, and Ulric Maligi as Associate Head Coach. 

“I already have a good relationship with both of them from Baylor and Texas. He (Tang) just called me and asked if he would be wasting his time, and I said no because I already have a great relationship with him and Coach Ulric (Maligi). I talked to him the most from Texas. So we have great relationships.”

Baylor continues to set the pace in Walter’s recruitment

For all the schools chasing after the talented shooter with long arms, the Baylor Bears are considered the favorite headed into the live period next month. 

“Coach (Alvin) Brooks, that’s my guy. I talk to him a lot. Probably one of the two coaches I talk to the most. He always keeps it real. He helps me out after games. I still think highly of Baylor. I went to a game this year against Villanova. Coach (Scott) Drew says I’m a top priority guy. He loves how I play both ways, and thinks I can go there and improve mentally and physically.”

Walter sees a definite fit in the Baylor program. 

“A lot of people know that they play two ways, and a lot of people say that I’m the top two way player in the country. I can definitely see myself there. I like their culture there.”

Kansas, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma in the mix

When looking at the top contenders that are looking to upset Baylor, Big 12 teams are receiving the most mention, along with Alabama. 

“I’m looking at visiting Kansas, Arkansas and Texas. I was talking with Oregon, but Coach (Chris) Crutchfield just left. I did just talk to Coach K.T. (Turner) earlier at Oklahoma too.” 

The next two visits are looking strong for the Jayhawks and Longhorns. 

“I talk to Coach (Jeremy) Case. We have been talking about for a while setting up a visit there for a while. Texas just came to my school the other day. I talk to the entire staff, and they just let me know that they are still heavily interested. They said that I’m their top guy that they are looking at (at shooting guard). They want to set up an official visit this spring.”

The Longhorns have ground to make up as Walter needs to see more to feel that perfect fit. 

“I think I would fit in pretty well. I can see it, but I still think I need to see more. I like Texas a lot, and I think highly of them. I have been on campus three times before, but I need to go back to see more.” 

Two keys in the decision making process

The No. 20 ranked prospect in the On3 Consensus ranking knows exactly what he’s looking for in a head coach relationship. 

“I want a head coach that keeps it real. That tells me what I want to hear, and what I don’t want to hear. I want a coach that is going to help me improve for the next level.”

Then there is the thought of being away from family for college, and what that will look like.  

“It has to feel like family. Making sure I’m comfortable when I’m away from my family, and a place that’s going to get me ready for the league.” 

Walter mentions that playing style will certainly factor into his decision making. He desires a fast paced style that likes to score the ball.