[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.