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Illinois Basketball: Illini offer 2019 PF Anthony Walker

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders perform during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders perform during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Illinois basketball team took in some AAU games and offered some scholarships the last few days.

Anthony Walker was the recipient of one of those scholarship offers. He is a 6-foot-10, 215-pound power forward from Perry Hall High School in Nottingham, Maryland. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 145 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 31 power forward in the nation.

Before the Illini offered Walker a scholarship, nine other programs were able to get in on his recruitment. Some of the more notable programs include TCU, UNLV and VCU. But, it seems like Walker is early in his recruitment still, so Illinois might have a shot at getting into the mix.

Walker is currently suiting up for Team BBC in the Adidas Gauntlet. So far, through two games of the finale, Walker has been tearing up the field. He has averaged 23.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. His shooting is impressive as well. He is 80-percent from the free throw line and 51.9-percent from the field.

I am not going to lie here, it is extremely fun watching Walker play the game of basketball. This kid has so much fun on the court and it shows through his game and emotions. This aspect would be great to bring to an Illini team that, for the most part, is void of this type of emotion.

The game Walker brings to the table is fast-paced as well. That is exactly what Brad Underwood wants. He can run the court well. He has great size at 6-foot-10. He can go up and get a rebound. The fact Walker has great touch is another huge bonus. His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court is exciting. I really can’t think of a comparison for him. The type of game and size he brings to the table reminds of a Kevin Durant type of player but with more emotions.

I am pumped Illinois is trying to get in on Walker’s recruitment. I think this kid has top 100 talent, but he doesn’t play in the premier AAU league, which is likely the reason why he isn’t getting enough attention.

Next: Illini need to land 2 of the 5 recruits on this list

Look for Walker to start climbing the rankings here shortly as more scholarship offers come in. Hopefully, Underwood and company can make up some ground and get some visits out of this kid.

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