Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
C.J. Walker leaves Ducks to return back home
Orlando 5-star recruit transfers to play for Knights
Walker, a five-star basketball standout who spent last season at Oregon, is transferring to UCF to be closer to his family.
The former Orlando Oak Ridge High product announced his decision to play for the Knights on social media Monday evening. Walker played one season for the Ducks, averaging 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 28 games. He announced his decision to leave on social media last week.
“There is so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the upcoming season, and even if one will be played next year,” Walker posted on Twitter. “I have decided the best decision I can make for both my mental and physical health is to return home to be close to my family and my support system, to continue to train and work at becoming the best person and basketball player I can be, to get back to a positive and healthy mindset, and to keep working towards my ultimate goal of becoming an NBA player one day.
“During this pandemic, I’m also heavily dealing with ailing family members who are high risk with underlying condiC.J. tions living back in my hometown of Sanford, FL.”
He joins former Louisville guard Darius Perry as transfers to Johnny Dawkins’ roster this upcoming season. Walker, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward, is the highest-ranked player the Knights have ever added to their roster.
Walker was heavily recruited in high school, receiving offers from Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Georgetown, Texas, Tennessee and UCF.