[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

More from TSN



Face to watch: Antoine
                   Walker
                   DECEMBER 22, 1997

                   by ROBERT SEALE  The Sporting News
                   The Celtics practice in a small gym on the campus of
                   Brandeis University, in Waltham, Mass., a 20-minute drive
                   from downtown Boston.

                   While setting up my equipment in a small conference room
                   across the hall from the gym to shoot Antoine Walker's
                   portrait, a group of teenagers on a college visit made
use of
                   the one clear square inch of space in the opaque glass
                   window.

                   They stood with their heads together, standing
practically on
                   top of each other, like 10 people fighting over a telescope,
                   each trying to line up one eyeball through the opening to
                   catch a glimpse of the greatness within.

                   Walker still has a ways to go to garner the attention of
every
                   NBA fan. His shooting has been erratic, he has lacked
                   concentration on defense and his free-throw percentage has a
                   Shaq-like resemblance.

                   Soon, though, Walker should find his groove on Boston's
                   parquet. He has been reunited with his college coach, Rick
                   Pitino, and his myriad talents are perfectly suited for the
                   coach's style of play. Walker's versatility, his combination
                   of quickness and power, his fearlessness, his boundless
                   energy on the court -- all mesh perfectly with what
Pitino is
                   doing in trying to rebuild the once-mighty Celtics.

                   Soon, people will want to catch more than a glimpse of him.

                   Last year's pick: Eddie Jones. The driver and slasher
                   is the Lakers' most complete player. Not only did he net 17
                   points a game in '97, he also stifled opponents on defense.
                   Those skills earned him a spot on the All-Star team last
                   Feburary. He was named this season's first NBA Player of
                   the Month.