Former Buckeye Walker making the most of his time in Germany
Life in Germany presented CJ Walker with an opportunity to start anew. In his first year as a professional basketball player, the former Ohio State point guard showcased new parts of his game, celebrated a personal milestone and adjusted to the culture of another country.
One difference between the collegiate game and his time with the Phoenix Hagen was especially glaring.
“We would play basically one game a week,” Walker said. “If you lost, you've have a whole week to think about it.”
That kind of downtime was a bit much for a competitor like Walker. An Indianapolis native who went to Florida State, transferred to the Buckeyes and opted to turn pro following the 2020-21 season,
Walker said it was a challenge waiting so long for another chance to play.
When he did, though, Walker was able to show off more of his game than he had before. Fully healthy after tearing ligaments in his right, non-shooting hand during his final year at Ohio State, Walker was more involved offensively while playing in Germany's second division.
In 24 games, Walker averaged 15.0 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 32.1% (25 for 78) from 3-point range and 55.9% (99 for 177) from inside the arc.
“It was a really good experience for myself, especially being able to play in a different role and put myself in a situation to showcase my abilities scoring, something I wasn't really able to do in college,” he said. “They put me in a position where they wanted me to be that first or second guy where the ball's in my hand, being able to make that play.
“I had a good midrange game, getting to the basket in college, being able to expand my game, being able to shoot the ball from 3 a little better, things I didn't do my senior year. I was able to do that a lot better and show my capabilities.”
During his final season at OSU, Walker missed four games with his hand injury and primarily came off the bench upon his return. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.4 assists, shooting a career-low 26.5% from 3 and 45.7% from inside the arc.
“Hurting my hand senior year, I had a lot of troubles coming back, getting back in the rotation, shooting the ball, having confidence,” Walker said. “It was really good to be healthy, be strong. I was able to have a consistent year and show what I can do when I'm healthy.”
For Walker, the summer will be spent primarily back home in Indianapolis. While there, he's planning to play pickup games with former Buckeyes Greg Oden and Jon Diebler, both of whom are now on Thad Matta's staff at Butler. That's in addition to his own workouts as Walker prepares for next season: another wait that's he's hoping to make the most of. ajardy@dispatch.com @Adamjardy