Florida landed the biggest recruiting coup of the summer when top power forward prospect Chris Walker committed to the Gators two weeks ago.
Walker joins travel-league point guard teammate Kasey Hill as UF’s second commitment in the Class of 2013. They could form a potentially dynamic inside-out duo. It’s why ESPN national recruiting analyst Dave Telep currently ranks Florida’s 2013 class as the best in the country. That could change, of course, but Hill (No. 6, ESPN top 100) and Walker (No. 7, ESPN top 100), have the ability to become impact players at the college level.
“Obviously, a signal is struck when you land a couple of players with elite-level talent,” Telep said. “They fact that they are familiar with each other, have won with each other, they create a unique combo.”
Hill and Walker are coming off a strong July with Florida Elite, having led the travel-league team to the Adidas Invitational Championship.
“Kasey Hill has already cemented himself as the second-best point guard in this class,” Telep said. “I think he has matured into a true point guard and he can set an example for Chris Walker, who still has a little ways to go.”
Telep, who watched Walker all July, said the 6-foot-8 forward still needs to work on his focus on consistency.
“Chris is one of the most athletically gifted kids in his class,” Telep said. “There are things that he can do athletically on the basketball court that are off the charts. But he needs to refine his skills.
“He has only played three years of high school basketball. There are going to be steps for him when he gets to the college level and he’s a guy that can’t afford to skip any steps.”
Also, Telep thinks that Hill can co-exist with incoming 2012 freshman point guard Braxton Ogbueze. Ogbueze will be a sophomore and projected 2012-13 starting point guard Scottie Wilbekin will be a senior when Hill arrives on campus.
“I think like Villanova, Florida has shown the ability to have success playing multiple guards,” Telep said. “Braxton is an excellent shooter from mid-range and in. Kasey is exceptional getting to the rim. They can do different things and complement one another.”
