9. Jarace Walker, Houston
Walker is a 6-foot-8, 240-pound freshman for the Houston Cougars. He’s still only 18 years old and has a 7-2 wingspan to go along with his thickly built body.
His length, size, athleticism, and activity make him a defensive menace. In his draft guide for The Ringer, Kevin O’Connor referred to Walker as “a versatile wrecking ball on defense.”
He’s so strong and compact that he physically does look like a wrecking ball, but he can move his feet well enough and has the defensive instincts to stick with players of multiple sizes and skill levels.
His defensive IQ is off the charts, as he knows when to help and how to force opponent ball handlers where they don’t want to go.
Offensively, Walker plays a bit like Zion Williamson. He’s slighter and not as explosive, but his touch around the rim is excellent and his IQ translates from the defensive end with the way he sees the floor and can playmake.
His strength allows him to barrel through defenders near the basket, especially when he’s the roll man off pick-and-roll action, but his shot is inconsistent at this point.