Wisconsin Basketball Target EJ Walker Provides Recruiting Update

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program intend to bring in a sizeable 2025 recruiting class scholarship-wise to offset the larger-than-normal outgoing group of graduates next season.  

Among the targets who remain high on their recruiting board is forward EJ Walker out of Earlinger, Kentucky. 

The nation’s 150th-ranked player and No. 30 power forward took an unofficial visit to Madison in June and made a return trip when Wisconsin basketball took on Tennessee in November. 

Want to thank @coachreef @GregGard and the rest of the staff for a great visit. @CoachDRamey613 @MidwestBBClub @ebosshoops @NinaZDallas @NextUpRecruits @jakeweingarten @BadgerMBB pic.twitter.com/Vx09IOHI4F

— EJ Walker (@ejwalker_) June 21, 2023

“The staff was great on both my recruiting visits,” Walker told Badgernotes. “They make it feel like home, and it’s a family atmosphere. Coach Chambliss checks in on me a lot.”

Assistant coach Sharif Chambliss is acting as the lead recruiter for the 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward. He holds 25 scholarship offers but is hearing the most from Wisconsin, Purdue, Louisville, West Virginia, Ohio State, South Carolina, Butler, Minnesota, and California. 

Wisconsin Basketball Making EJ Walker a Recruiting Priority

Lloyd Memorial sophomore EJ Walker takes a shot during Lloyd’s 49-42 win in the John Turner Classic Dec. 10, 2022, at Newport High School.
Johnturnerclassic6

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball program have turned a major corner offensively this season. The Badgers currently rank as the nation’s No. 9 team in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. 

“I have watched several Badgers games this season,” Walker said. “The pace they play with is different based on the players on the floor. Coach Gard lets his guys play.”

His unique combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills make Walker a versatile chess piece that could fit in any offense. He can push the ball in transition, win down on the low block with strength & footwork, or put the ball on the deck and slash to the hoop. 

The Kentucky native is also a good passer and can facilitate for his teammates in the half-court or on the break; plus, he’s got an improving jump shot that could take his game to another level. 

Walker intends to take an official visit with the Badgers sometime after his season is over; he shared with Badgernotes.com. 

“The coaching staff sees me as a versatile player,” Walker said. “One that can play in multiple positions and guard multiple positions.”

Considered a consensus top 150 player by all the recruiting services, Walker is considering narrowing his list of schools down in the coming months. You can expect Coach Gard and the Wisconsin basketball program to remain in the mix when he does. 

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