Recruiting Report: Jake Walter (2018)
(Photo Credit: NKY Tribune)
Jake Walter’s stock has officially taken off. The 7’0 big man from Covington Catholic came into the AAU with only two scholarship offers from Toledo and Ball State. Much has changed.
Since playing with Indiana Elite on the adidas Guantlet Gold Circuit, Walter has shown an ability to attack the rim stronger than he had during the high school season, as well he’s beginning to catch up to the speed of playing against other elite athletes. “One of my goals going into this off-season was to get quicker on my feet and to work on my strength,” said Walter. Working on those goals have allowed him to attack around the rim at a much more consistent rate.
During the high school season Walter averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds per game on team that featured other top Kentucky high school prospects Cole VonHandorf and CJ Fredrick. One of Walter’s top performances included a 12 point, 7 rebounds game against defending state champion Dunbar later in the 2017 season. He was easily one of the Colonels top defensive players, protecting the rim. “High school season went well. We didn’t accomplish any team goals, as we lost in regional championship. Individually, however, at our basketball banquet I was awarded Defensive Player of the Year.”
Now, after the first two “live periods”, Walter holds a total of 7 scholarship offers, including Toledo, Ball State, Northern Kentucky, Wright State, Stetson, and Kent State. “My dream is to play at the D-1 level, but more important to me is finding a school that is the right fit for me. I’ll choose a school where I feel I can excel academically and athletically, as well as contribute to the community.”