AUBURN, Ala. – Sharp shooter Simon Walker returns for his sophomore season with hopes of earning a rotational spot and contributing on both ends of the floor.
A preseason injury during Walker’s freshman season hampered his first year on the Plains, but Walker is now eager to prove he’s ready for the big stage after putting an emphasis on steady offensive shooting and increasing his defensive skillset.
Q&A With Smon Walker:
Q: Talk about summer training and the vibe of the team so far…
A: It’s been incredible. Although we have numerous new guys from the portal and Caleb Williams coming from high school, we’ve gelled together really well. You can see the chemistry we’ve built on and off the court, and it will pay dividends for months to come.
Q: What have you honed in on for your game specifically this offseason?
A: For me, I know what I am capable of on the offensive end. I know I can come in and make shots so I’m trying to keep that consistent, but I am really harping on my defense and being consistent on that end. I know that will be a big stepping stone for me to have a role this year.
Q: What were your takeaways from your freshman year and specifically SEC play?
A: The new level of physicality I had to endure and just the way things work – the travel, the mental capacity and the mental toughness you need to get through conference play with how busy you are and how much you travel. A year of knowing how things work off the court and the physicality on the court will help me a lot this season.
Q: As one of the four returners, how have you and the other returners helped the newcomers?
A: I think we’ve done a good job of getting the new guys acclimated. We go out and do stuff as a team. Some of these guys are new to the south. Mantas and Narcisse – they are new to the country, so just getting these guys acclimated and showing them what to do on and off the court. It could be showing them the system and learning that or giving them places to eat. Any little thing like that to help them.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in year two?
A: Just proving I belong. Last year – the injury set me back a little bit. I was excited but things just didn’t really work out and I wasn’t ready on the defensive end. I am ready to prove a lot of people wrong. Being able to play in my hometown of Huntsville will be really fun as well. I want to be able to win some games and be able to contribute to winning.
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