Where Did Lonnie Walker Go To College

Where Did Lonnie Walker Go To College? American professional basketball player Lonnie Walker IV was born on December 14, 1998, and currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was recognized as Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball and was named a McDonald’s All-American in high school. Walker was a member of the Miami Hurricanes collegiate basketball team.

He was chosen by the San Antonio Spurs with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft, following his selection to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) all-freshman team. Before joining the Lakers, he spent four seasons as a player for the Spurs.

Where Did Lonnie Walker Go To College

Lonnie Walker attended the University of Miami. Lonnie Walker IV played college basketball for the University of Miami Hurricanes, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In 2017, he enrolled at Miami University after receiving offers from other esteemed universities, including Villanova, Arizona, Syracuse, Kentucky, and Syracuse. His time in college was short, lasting only one season (2017–2018), as after his freshman year he decided to enter the NBA draft.

Despite the short duration, Walker made a significant impact on the Hurricanes. He averaged 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, showcasing his athleticism, shooting ability, and defensive intensity. He led the ACC in three-point percentage (41.5%) and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

His contributions were instrumental in helping the Hurricanes achieve a 22-10 record and reach the NCAA Tournament. Although their journey ended in the first round, Walker’s performance left a lasting impression and solidified his status as a future NBA prospect.

Personal Life

Walker is the son of Lonnie Walker III, an Alvernia University basketball player who relocated from New Jersey to Reading, Pennsylvania. Walker III had to work multiple jobs and raise his son as a single parent after dropping out of university when Walker IV was born in 1998. Walker IV’s father encouraged him to read after school, and he still does so as part of his pregame routine.

Walker’s dog, Zola, accompanied him in a PETA commercial warning viewers not to leave their pets in hot, parked cars. In June 2020, Walker revealed he had been the victim of sexual abuse by family members as an adolescent, and had grown out his trademark long hairstyle as a coping mechanism. In deciding to cut his hair, Walker described the act as having “shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

High School Career

Lonnie Walker IV’s basketball journey started at Reading High School in Reading, Pennsylvania. Here’s a glimpse into his impressive high school career:

Freshman Year:

• Played in 27 games, averaging 8 points per game.
• Established himself as a key contributor for the varsity team.

Sophomore Year:

• Averaged 16.9 points per game in a shortened season due to injury.
• His talent and potential started to attract attention from college scouts.

Junior Year:

• Led the Red Knights to a 29-4 record and a trip to the PIAA Class 4A state semifinals.
• Averaged 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
• Earned Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year honours.

Senior Year:

• Became a McDonald’s All-American and was voted Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball.
• Averaged a career-best 18.4 points per game, surpassing Reading High’s all-time scoring record held by former NBA player Donyell Marshall.
• Led Reading High to their first state championship in the program’s 117-year history with a 64-60 victory over the Pine-Richland Rams. Walker finished the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists.

College Career

Lonnie Walker IV’s journey to the NBA continued at the University of Miami, where he opted for a one-and-done season. While brief, his college career was packed with highlights and showcases of his potential:

Freshman Year (2017-2018):

• Averaged 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
• Showcased his athleticism and shooting ability, leading the ACC in three-point percentage (41.5%).
• Led the Miami Hurricanes in minutes played (36.2 mpg) and steals (38).
• Earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors.

Overall:

• Despite playing only one season, Lonnie Walker IV made a significant impact on the Miami Hurricanes.
• His offensive prowess and defensive energy were key contributors to the team’s success.
• He was recognized for his outstanding play with ACC All-Freshman honours.
• His college career served as a springboard for his professional aspirations, as he declared for the 2018 NBA draft and was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

While his college career was short, Lonnie Walker IV left a lasting impression at the University of Miami. His talent, work ethic, and dedication to the game paved the way for his successful NBA career.

Professional Career

From high school sensation to NBA prospect, Lonnie Walker IV’s professional career is still young but already brimming with promise. Here’s a closer look at his journey so far:

San Antonio Spurs (2018-2022):

• Drafted in the first round (18th overall) by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 NBA draft.
• Played under head coach Gregg Popovich, renowned for his demanding coaching style and focus on player development.
• Became known for his athleticism, high energy, and ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
• Averaged 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in his four seasons with the Spurs.
• He experienced ups and downs, including injuries and inconsistencies, but showcased his potential in flashes.
• Played a key role in the Spurs’ playoff run in 2019, averaging 12.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.

Los Angeles Lakers (2022-2023):

• Signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2022.
• Joined a star-studded team featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
• Faced increased competition for playing time but embraced the challenge.
• Averaged 6.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
• Had a breakout performance in the 2022 playoffs, averaging 12.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
• Showed his potential to be a valuable contributor for a championship contender.

Brooklyn Nets (2023-Present):

• signed a two-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2023.
• Joined a young and talented team with strong championship aspirations.
• Expected to play a significant role as a scoring option and defensive presence.
• Started the season strong, leading the Nets in scoring with 25 points on October 27, 2023.

Conclusion

Lonnie Walker’s decision to attend the University of Miami proved to be a pivotal step in his journey to becoming a professional basketball player. Despite his one-year stint with the Hurricanes, his impact on the program was undeniable. His athleticism, shooting prowess, and defensive energy were instrumental in Miami’s success, and his achievements were recognized with ACC All-Freshman honours.

While brief, Lonnie Walker’s college career served as a crucial springboard for his NBA aspirations. He showcased his potential on the national stage, attracting the attention of scouts and ultimately leading to his selection in the first round of the NBA draft.

Aspiring athletes can draw inspiration from Lonnie Walker’s story, which highlights the value of perseverance, hard work, and seizing every opportunity. His story serves as an example of the transformational potential of attending the right college program and the strength of perseverance.

FAQs

Which college did Lonnie Walker attend?

A: Lonnie Walker played college basketball for the University of Miami Hurricanes.

Q: How long did Lonnie Walker play for the University of Miami?

A: Lonnie Walker played for the Hurricanes for one season (2017-2018) before being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Q: Did Lonnie Walker have any notable achievements at the University of Miami?

A: Yes, Lonnie Walker was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team during his only season at Miami. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game and recorded several impressive performances, including a 26-point game against Boston University.