Toronto Raptors draft Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter nineteenth total in NBA draft: ‘All glory to God’
By Kevin Mercer Jun 27, 2024
Ja’Kobe Walter, proper, poses for a photograph with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, June 26, 2024. (AP Photograph/Julia Nikhinson)
It’s becoming {that a} man named after Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant can be drafted within the first spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, and that’s simply what occurred on Wednesday evening on the Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, New York.
The Toronto Raptors chosen Ja’Kobe Walter, a 19-year-old out of Baylor, with the nineteenth total decide. The 6-foot-5 guard’s first identify is a mix of “Jordan” and “Kobe.”
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After NBA commissioner Adam Silver learn that identify from the draft podium, Walter took an additional half-second to soak within the realization of his lifelong dream. The tears of pleasure began to move. With Baylor head coach Scott Drew by his facet, Walter was requested about his feelings by ESPN’s Monica McNutt moments after exiting the stage.
“All glory to God,” Walter said. “He received me right here. It’s simply been a protracted journey. My household supported me the entire manner, so it’s only a very emotional second.”
Walter continued to glorify God in his post-draft media availability.
“I prayed so many instances for simply this second proper right here, so now that it’s lastly right here, it’s simply goals into actuality,” Walter said. “And I’m simply grateful.”
Regardless of sporting a purple blazer, one of many colours the Raptors used to put on, Walter insists he didn’t know Toronto would choose him.
“I’ve by no means even been to Canada earlier than,” the McKinney, Texas, native mentioned. “That is gonna be my first time, however I’m simply tremendous excited for all the things, truthfully. I do know the fanbase is nice, a variety of help. We’re making an attempt to win championships.”
The Raptors posted a record of only 25-57 a 12 months in the past. It was a far cry from their heyday from 2014-2020, when the franchise made the playoffs seven straight years, accrued 5 straight seasons of no less than 50 wins, and captured the 2018-19 NBA title. Walter believes his scoring, protection, and on-court vitality completely praise the younger core of Scottie Barnes, R.J. Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley. Collectively, they imagine they’ll rebuild the Raptors into nationwide contenders as soon as once more.
“Simply attempt to make an affect in any manner I can,” Walter mentioned of his worth to the staff at Wednesday evening’s media availability. “No matter they want me to do coming in, I’m gonna do it for them. Actually simply attempt to convey that profitable depth.”
Walter’s one season at Baylor noticed him begin all 35 video games he performed, lead the Bears in points per game (14.5), snag 4.4 rebounds per sport, and dish out 1.4 assists per sport. The consensus five-star recruit shot 37.6% total (34.1% on 3-pointers) and 79.2% from the free-throw line. For his efforts, Walter was named the Massive 12 Freshman of the Yr and earned a spot on the third-team All-Massive 12 because the Bears went 24-11.
By way of all of his private and staff success, Walter continues to honor God and level others to Him.
Walter, who writes “Strolling with God” in his Instagram bio, credit his mother and father for spurring on his religion in Christ since he was a baby.
“My mother and father put me within the church at a younger age and have at all times advised me to place God first in something I do,” Walter told HisHuddle.com earlier than enrolling at Baylor. “Religion has at all times been vital for me for the reason that starting.”
Walter says he makes positive that he thanks God every day for all He’s carried out in his life.
“Religion performs an enormous function in my profession,” he advised His Huddle. “With out God, I wouldn’t be within the place I’m proper now. … God has given me alternatives that I might’ve by no means thought I might have.”
In his Instagram announcement that he was declaring for the NBA draft, Walter started by writing, “First, I need to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a result of He makes all issues doable. He has walked with me all my life to get me the place I’m now.”
And the place is now’s the NBA. As he begins what he hopes is a prolonged profession within the league, Walter is aware of that any success he’ll have is finally a present from his loving Heavenly Father.
The second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft is on Thursday (4 p.m. ET). This 12 months marks the primary 12 months since 1989, when it was shortened to 2 rounds, that the NBA draft can be held over a number of days.
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