BA Walker signed with VCU

[ODU True Blue]

On the VCU board, they are reporting that prepstars quote Walker as saying he signed with VCU on Friday. VCU doesn't comment until all signings are done.

I wonder how much Rutgers getting a commitment last week from a point guard had to do with Walker's final choice.

Anyway I'm happy for VCU, I'm glad to keep VA state kids in-state . I'm happy with us landing Lidonde. So it all worked out for the good.

The next few years looks like ODU, VCU, and UNCW being the leading schools. Notice I didn't predict anything for next year specifically (because GMU has a lot returning for next year). But down the road I believe the above schools will be the big three.

[Mr. Jablomi]

Nice little signing for them. Good for them.

[MrVCU]

Nice little signing .......... cute remark !!

It will be interesting to see how Walker and Lidonde pan out.

I know Lidonde was higher rated, but I really like getting a local kid that I've followed for a couple years.

Only time will tell. Good post True Blue.

I know Heywood feels that ODU could have landed Walker if they wanted him, but chose Lidonde instead. I'm not so sure that's how it really went. I know Heywood can't believe that Walker may have just decided that he'd rather play for Capel than Taylor.

I know you guys will be keeping a close eye on Walker .....

[Mr. Jablomi]

Like I've said before, I think it's great for VCU to sign a kid like that. I also know, for a fact, that the staff had Lidonde rated much higher (nothing to do with recruiting services rankings), but felt he would end up in the A10, likely at URI or Dayton. When they were able to land him, they were ecstatic.
The recruiting services also have Lidonde rated much higher. He's a bigger kid, who excelled against a much higher level of competition than Walker. They both should be good players, but I would think Lidonde is a bit of a safer bet, simply due to the ability to measure him against the other top players in the country, playing at a level Walker has not been exposed to.
Lidonde was a star on a top 15 ranked HS team, and put up almost 2,000 pts playing a big time national schedule. He should be prepared to play in the CAA.

[ODUBB]

Congrats to VCU for getting Walker. This will be interesting to watch Walker vs. Lidonde, a game within a game. I am surprised Walker didn't go to Rutgers, but other signings probably had a major influence with his decision.

[VCU4LIFE]

I never saw a report that said he actually had an offer from Rutgers, only that he made an official visit there...

[Mr. Jablomi]

Actually, his visit to Rutgers was unofficial.

[MrVCU]

The PrepStars.com article stated that he had final offers from VCU, Penn St, ODU and Rutgers.

[RamBo]

Richmond is closer to home than NJ. Although B.A. has been quoted as saying this didn't factor in, you have to think it might have something to do with his signing. I'll tell you this: I've watched a lot of really small-town kids (including a few from the Eastern Shore...like Sheron Mills from Snow Hill), and I like them. A lot of times, they don't seem to get as nervous as the bigger/inner-city types with all the hype, and all the pressure. You never know--that could very easily work both ways- For us, or against us. It will actually be really interesting to see how Walker and Lidonde pan out.

I think both schools actually got the one they wanted. I was hoping Ingram would wind up in state, specially at VCU (home). Still really surprised that he chose American. He's got a 4.0 GPA, and I guess his acedemic success made him think about other types of programs. Oh well, the Monarchs, Rams, and Hawks do appear to have bright futures. The next few years should be really interesting. It's on baby!!!

[Mr. Jablomi]

Iagree that it probably worked out well all the way around. I have no idea how the Lidonde signing impacted BA's decision, but he'll be a good one for VCU. I'm glad he stayed in the league, instead of going to Rutgers. I look forward to seeing him vs. Abdi for the next few years, it will be interesting, that's for sure.

[VRam]

Maybe he checked VCU's record against Rutgers - we beat 'em every time we play 'em.

[Mr. Jablomi]

Yeah, but the big difference is RU plays in the Big East. They play on ESPN, CBS, etc., while ODU, VCU ... play on regional TV.
I think it would be tough to pass up on playing in a big time conference.