Huskers grab Butler prospect

The newest Nebraska basketball commit for head coach Doc Sadler came on Monday from El Dorado (Kan.) Butler Community College guard Caleb Walker.

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Walker was also offered by Nebraska on Monday, according to Butler head coach Mike Bargen. Bargen says that Walker athleticism to the court, but his strengths in defending and rebounding make him more than just an athletic guard.

"I'd say in my conversations with (Nebraska) coaches (David) Anwar and (Doc) Sadler, you know it happened fast as far as what I think they saw in him or what they liked," Bargen said. "Obviously his athleticism and toughness - he brings a lot of intangibles to the program."

Bargen said that Walker had won at every level of competition, play both basketball and football in high school and at the beginning of his career at Butler. After deciding to focus on just basketball heading late into this past fall, things really improved for him.

"He started out playing both football and basketball and missed a fall of individuals," Bargen said about this past season. "He didn't start playing with his until early November, missing the first six weeks of practice as well. Now he's concentrated on one sport, his skill development will continue to improve."

As far as statistics, he has averaged 16.5 points a game this past season. His rebound average of eight went up to around 10 a game once he moved into the conference portion of the schedule.

Also just coming out today, Bargen reported that Walker was named the Jayhawk West player-of-the-year.

"We play him at the wing and I think he would fit in there [at Nebraska]," Bargen said. "I think he can defend bigger players because of his athleticism, so he gets in there with 6-6, 6-7 wings I think he'll be fine. His strengths are he's a great defender, great rebounder, great slasher - very strong physical type player."

Walker himself is excited to be a Husker and wants to help in any way he can right away.

"I've always wanted to play in the Big 12," Walker said. "From experience, I had friends that went to Nebraska and just from hearing from my friends, Nebraska is a fun experience. You get a good education from what I hear and I know the basketball program is not on the top, but they're on the way. I can come in, work hard, and do whatever I can to help coach Sadler turn the program around."

The newest Husker recruit says he's a wing player but he'll go to "whatever coach needs me to play."

His quick decision to join the Husker program on Monday came while talking with Sadler.

"I had a good talk with coach Sadler on Monday," Walker said. "He wants me to come in there and compete. I told him I wanted to make a commitment to him. Whatever I can do to help him and we're both excited for a great experience."

April 14 is the commencement of the next signing period. Walker says he plans to be on campus in June or July after graduating from Butler in May.