Walden is a player who got his feet wet as a sophomore but did not get a ton of time. He showed flashes where they would put the ball in his hands and let him operate, and with that freedom is when he’s at his best, and that’s why he’s off to such a big summer so far. He has good size, he’s strong, and he makes winning plays. Walden is a microwave scorer who uses his athleticism and size. He can space the floor with a reliable 3-ball but is also not afraid to go back a defender down and score from the mid-range as well. Walden is my pick for one of the conference newcomers to keep an eye on next season, and I believe that he will make a big jump by the end of the summer. He makes a rise in the rankings with plenty of room to grow as he gets more attention on him. 

Walden may have been in a close loss, but his performance stood out in a major way. He looked in control the whole game, playing at his own pace while reading plays ahead of time. He was telling teammates when to cut, signaling for skip passes and smart reads, and his IQ stood out for me. He has a strong build and good size at the guard spot. What also stood out was how lethal he was with the ball in his hands. Walden hit timely shots and led his group. He’s a 2028 with real upside who left me wanting another look, as I have some questions as to why he was not on radars a bit sooner. He was one of my favorite watches on Day 1. 

Walden is a player that we really enjoyed watching this summer as he’s a physical guard with shot-blocking instincts and confidence as a scorer. He can create off the dribble, shoot from range, and finishes strong through contact. His sturdy frame and strength help him overpower smaller defenders, and he’s shown leadership qualities throughout the summer. After standing out with Colorado Collective and at our showcase, Walden earns his debut in the rankings this cycle.

Walden brought relentless intensity and physicality to every possession at the showcase. He battled hard in the paint, using his strength, positioning and determination to secure boards on both ends of the floor, giving his team crucial extra possessions. Beyond rebounding he showed a willingness to fight through contact, challenge every loose ball and set the tone with his toughness. Walden’s consistent effort and competitive fire made him a standout presence, a player who impacts the game simply by being assertive and engaged on every play