Why Walker picked the Cowboys
Rondel Walker stands up after his father finishes his speech. A hushed tone runs through the auditorium. Walker reaches out and picks up a Texas Longhorns hat. A flurry of conversations start around the room, this is not what they…
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Continue ReadingRondel Walker stands up after his father finishes his speech. A hushed tone runs through the auditorium. Walker reaches out and picks up a Texas Longhorns hat. A flurry of conversations start around the room, this is not what they were expecting at all. He sets the hat back down on the table. Everyone goes back to their quiet chatter. Rondel unzips his EYBL jacket. With Oklahoma State across his chest, Walker pics up the OSU hat to his left and puts it on his head. The Putnam City West auditorium erupts in cheers and hugs are given all around. Pistols firing all around, Walker is a Cowboy.
Rondel Walker is officially an Oklahoma State Cowboy ???? #PrepHoops pic.twitter.com/bHtoHxgp1W
— Prep Hoops Oklahoma (@PrepHoopsOK) November 1, 2019
Sitting at a desk about 70 miles northeast, a man in a matte black swivel chair spins around in circles, fist-pumping more than he ever as before. This man is Mike Boyton, future head coach of OSU commit Walker. He knows what domino effect might have just begun, and he is ready to go all in.
To Walker, this commitment means more than just a simple choice of where he wants to continue his basketball career.
“Coach Boyton gave me my first Division 1 offer,” said Walker. “He’s been solid with his recruitment since. The feeling upon my visit was just different. It was just something I knew.”
Walker also shared how much the players already in Stillwater impacted his decision.
“I know a lot of guys up there man,” said Walker. “The twins [Kalib and Keylan Boone] especially. I just love the feeling of familiarity and I think I can go up there and do my thing.”
Walker is the first commit to OSU in the Class of 2020, which now has the possibility of becoming one of the best in the nation. Oklahoma State has Cannen Cunningham, brother of the #1 Combo Guard in the country, Cade Cunningham, as an assistant coach on their squad. Having his brother and now, a teammate from the Nike EYBL circuit over the summer, it becomes a much more attractive place to Cunningham and possibly a landing spot for another big-time player.
Walker now looks forward to a senior year with no distractions. An opportunity for a very good Putnam City West team arises, The Gold Ball glimmering in the distance, can the OSU commit and gang get it done and secure the 6A title? Only time will tell.