Kentucky women’s basketball picks up commitment from 6-foot-4 forward Janaé Walker
Kentucky women’s basketball has added to its 2023 recruiting class.
Former Gardner-Webb signee Janaé Walker, a 6-foot-4 forward out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, announced her commitment to UK on Sunday via her Instagram live. Walker chose UK over Southern Cal, Syracuse and Wisconsin.
“The Big Blue Nation is going to love Janae,” UK head coach Kyra Elzy said, according to a statement released by the school. “She is an ambitious, focused and talented player who is ready to get right to work. She is a competitor and plays with a chip on her shoulder, which will fit the personality of this team.”
Walker averaged 20.2 points and 14.8 rebounds per game during her senior season at Sandy Creek, ranking third overall in the state of Georgia in rebounds per game.
She also surpassed 1,000 career points in February, as well as strung together 17 consecutive double-doubles. For her efforts this season, Walker was named Georgia’s Region 5 Class 3A Player of the Year.
blessed to be named region 5 class aaa player of the year. pic.twitter.com/yuJ99u39SN
— Janaé Walker (@janaewalkerr_) February 20, 2023
Walker plays for Atlanta-based Hoop Dreams AAU. She is also a member of the Sandy Creek track and field team where she participates in both discus and shot put.
My dawg, my light bright made it onto the podium finishing 5 overall in state in the womens shotput with a throw of 37’6 pic.twitter.com/DawLzbxfPE
— Coach Godfrey (@CoachGodfrey_27) May 13, 2022
Walker initially committed to Gardner-Webb, but decommitted on April 10 following coaching changes.
Gardner-Webb head coach Alex Simmons, a 2023 World Exposure Report Mid-Major Coach of the Year finalist, took the job at Memphis following Katrina Merriweather’s departure for her alma mater, Cincinnati.
Simmons and Gardner-Webb announced a six-player signing class on Nov. 10. Walker’s commitment to the Wildcats marks the second defection for the Runnin’ Bulldogs class, following guard Joelle Baker’s commitment to UNC Greensboro.
new beginnings. pic.twitter.com/qB7snXD7Dd
— Janaé Walker (@janaewalkerr_) April 11, 2023
At 6-4, Walker will immediately join redshirt freshman center Tionna Herron as the tallest players on the Wildcats’ roster. Walker will likely provide necessary depth to a thin post room, which lost starting forward Nyah Leveretter, who suffered a torn ACL in the Wildcats’ 79-57 loss at Vanderbilt on Feb. 19.
The Cats’ healthy front court currently includes reserve forward Ajae Petty and Zennia Thomas, who did not see the floor much during her freshman season. Herron is currently expected to debut for the Wildcats next season after missing her freshman year while recovering from open heart surgery.
With Walker’s commitment, the Wildcats have now accounted for 12 of 15 available full scholarships. Upon the conclusion of the season, UK lost both starting sophomore guard Jada Walker — who has since committed to Baylor — and breakout freshman guard Kennedy Cambridge.
The Cats also graduated forward Adebola Adeyeye, as well as leading scorer Robyn Benton and starting guard Blair Green.
Kentucky women’s basketball offers three high school recruits following live period
‘What I came here to do.’ One of UK’s most influential athletes leading despite setback.
Four-star wing Jordy Griggs could represent start of new chapter of UK women’s basketball
One Kentucky basketball player in the transfer portal has chosen her new home
‘And that’s a wrap.’ Blair Green announces the end of her Kentucky basketball career.
