Q&A with the Newcomers: B.J. Walker

It’s been a long route to Nebraska for junior forward B.J. Walker. A transfer from Garden City (Kan.) Community College, Walker starred in the prep ranks at MountHealthyHigh School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He then signed on to play for Buffalo where he spent his freshman season before transferring to Garden City. At GCC, he was an All-Jayhawk Conference first-team selection and earned NJCAA District VI first-team honors in 2004-05 after redshirting in 2003-04.

 

Walker, who has two years of eligibility remaining to play with the Huskers, averaged 16.2 points and tied for the team lead with 8.7 rebounds per game for the Broncbusters. Walker is counting on his experience to help him make an immediate impact on a talented 2005 Husker team.

 

Each week before the start of regular-season practice in mid-October, Huskers.com will feature a different newcomer in a Q&A session. We caught up with Walker on Thursday following the team's conditioning session and this is what he had to say:

 

H.C: How is practice going for you individually and for the team as a whole?

BJW: As a whole, I think it’s going well. Day by day we’re learning more and getting more comfortable with each other. Personally, I’m just trying to work back into game shape like every year. Things are going well and I’m working hard trying to get a feel for the new system.

 

H.C: How do you see yourself fitting in with this year’s team?

BJW: I just hope to bring some of the experience I gained through the first two years of college that I’ve been through. I just want to bring energy and maturity to the team.

 

H.C: With so many newcomers this season, how is the team’s chemistry shaping up?

BJW: (The older guys are) receiving us pretty well. We are just trying to work our way in. Team chemistry seems like it is coming along real well.

 

 

H.C: What is the strongest part of your game?

BJW: I think I have a lot of things I can work on, but I think I’m pretty solid overall. I can see the floor pretty well, shoot the ball pretty well and handle it well for my size. I couldn’t really give you one specific thing though.

 

H.C: What’s it like working with Coach Francis? How has he helped your development so far?

BJW: It’s cool. He’s real energetic and gets you pumped and makes you work hard. He’s just given me a couple of pointers on a couple of individual things.

 

H.C: What has it been like working with Wes Wilkinson and Aleks Maric in Nebraska’s frontcourt?

BJW: It’s been good. We’re trying to figure out a little bit of what we all can do. But for the most part we know how each one of us plays.

 

 

H.C: How intense has conditioning been so far?

BW: It’s been real intense trying to get ready for the season. We need that because it’s a real big season for me and for the University of Nebraska basketball.

 

 

H.C: What are your thoughts on how good the team will be this year?

BJW: From what I’m expecting, I think we should make a run at the NCAA Tournament and have a pretty good season.

 

H.C: What player, past or present, would you most compare your style of play to?

BJW: I can’t think of one player. Some would probably say Antoine Walker.

 

H.C: What is the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make so far while making the transition from Garden City?

BJW: The level of competition is better. There are bigger players and more well-rounded players.

 

H.C: How much are you looking forward to your first game?

BJW: I’m definitely ready for it. I’m using the time we have right now to get prepared for it. I’m really not trying to rush it too much. I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m definitely ready to go out and show everybody what it’s going to be like this year.

 

H.C: Does the team have any nicknames for you?

BJW: I’ve got about three nicknames, ?Mr. Smooth’, ?The Beast’ and ?Old School.’ I’d say ?Mr. Smooth’ is my favorite. They say I’m smooth out on the court.

 

H.C: What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately?

BJW: I’d say ?Four Brothers.’ I saw it a few weeks ago.

 

H.C: What do you like to do off the basketball court?

BJW: I just like to relax. When I’m back home I like to fish a little bit.

 

H.C: If you were on a reality television show, what show would you want to be on?

BJW: I don’t think I’d be on one.

 

H.C: If you were playing another sport besides basketball, what would it be and why?

BJW: It might be baseball. I used to play baseball when I was young.

 

H.C: Is there any reason you chose to wear the number 00?

BJW: Double-zero, I really haven’t seen many people with it since I’ve been watching college basketball. It’s a fresh start and I feel like this is my chance, so I wanted to pick a unique number.

 

H.C: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

BJW: I listen to some music before games. I would say rap, and I think my pre-game tape is going to be the new Young Buck.

 

H.C: Where are you looking forward to playing the most this year, other than obviously the DevaneyCenter?

BJW: I’d say OklahomaState but I’m just ready to play anywhere.

 

H.C: Do you have any friends playing in the Big 12? What will that be like to face him?

BJW: I know Tory Johnson, who went to Garden City with me. He’s going to OklahomaState. (If I faced him) it would be the same as anybody else guarding me.