Walko feeling the love after his game-winning shot
There were a few seconds when the magnitude of the moment got the best of Randy Walko, but when he heard is name being called, it just came down to basketball instinct.
“I actually didn’t run the play correctly and if it wasn’t for Eric Murdock calling my name I never would’ve been in that position,” said Walko, of his game winner as time expired for The College of New Jersey over No. 19 Ramapo Saturday giving the Lions a huge win.
“When I did get the ball, I looked up at the clock,” recalled Walko. “Then my basketball instincts took over and I shot a shot I have been taking my whole career. Once it went in, something took over me. I was just so happy especially for my seniors to be a part of such a huge program win.”
Yes, the 66-64 win over the ranked Roadrunners was a big one as the Lions continue to establish themselves as a perennial contender in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
The win over Ramapo (10-4, 6-1 NJAC) showed a lot of moxie on the part of the Lions (10-3, 5-2 NJAC) as they never backed down and were there at the finish.
“I always knew the character of this group was special,” said Matt Goldsmith, the TCNJ coach. “We have 16 guys who care more about the team than the individual. We would not be 10-3 without major contributions from everyone on this team. The younger guys have gained a ton of confidence because our senior leadership has trusted them in major spots throughout the year.”
One of the Lions, who face Rutgers-Newark on Wednesday, that feels more confident is Walko.
After playing in just six games as a freshman Walko worked hard in the offseason and now is one of three Lions to have started all 13 games this season.
“Last year, I was definitely more tentative,” said Walko. “But, this year the hard work I’ve put in in the offseason gives me a mew confidence that leads me into every game.”
Walko’s confidence shows in his 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds a game and in his understanding of the NJAC.
“Every game in this conference is a battle,” said Walko. “There isn’t one team that can be pushed over. You can’t get fixated on one game then you aren’t able to grow and learn. This team has done a fabulous job of learning from our struggles and focusing on them the next game.”
From the freshman that took only eight shots in the 2016-17 season Walko’s passion for the game drove him to become the player that wants the ball in big moments.
“I just want people to look back at me and say he worked for everything and he left all is had in whatever he did,” said Walko. “When I do something I’m truly passionate about it and I work hard to attain my goals.”