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Quiet leader earns Player of the Year award
By Nancy Alkana, Clarion Staff Writer

Jacqueline Melendez, Clarion Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 04:03
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For the first time in Citrus College history, a member of the men’s basketball team has won the highest award in the state: Player of the Year.
Owls guard James Walker III, 20, who was also the MVP of the Western State Conference, was singled out for the top honor for an individual player by the California Community College Athletic Association.

Walker helped lead his team to the CCCAA Final Four in Sacramento.

Walker credits his basketball success to the support of his faith, family and coach.

The Owls qualified for the Final Four for the third straight year and fourth time in the last five seasons.
In the semifinals, the Owls fell two points short in a heartbreaking 71-69 loss against the Fresno City Rams, the team that would eventually win the state championship.

At 6-feet-3-inches, 180 pounds, Walker downplays his leadership.

“I fell into the role of a leader,” Walker said. “My teammates began coming to me for my advice on the court.”

Head coach Chris Victor, who was named the CCCAA Coach of the Year, agrees.

“A lot of his leading is through his actions and through his toughness,” Victor said.
“He’s not a real vocal guy. He’s a quiet kid, but he shows what it means to be a great player and teammate.”

Each year the CCCAA coaches nominate several players to receive the award.

“It is a great honor and another great accomplishment in my career,” Walker said. “I get to hang another plaque in my mom’s collection of trophies.”

Walker will finish his Citrus career with the school’s second highest all-time scoring average of 19.1 points per game for the 2011-12 season.

Walker played for a year at Utah State before transferring to Citrus.

“I left Utah State because I excel better in an up-tempo offense like the Phoenix Suns,” Walker said.

Walker said he stays humble by praying to God, going to church, and maintaining a relationship with his pastor and family.

Walker attributes much of his success to his father, James Walker II, who played basketball at Bishop Byrne High School in Memphis.

The elder Walker recalled an early memory of when his son was only 7 months old.

“He came on the court. I was thinking he came to congratulate [me],” Walker said. “Instead he went for the basketball. From that point on I have been teaching him the game.”

Walker said his favorite team is the Los Angeles Lakers and his favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant.

“He is somebody I look up to and I try to incorporate some of his game into my game,” Walker said. “He is a winner and has a crazy work ethic, plus

I like to play in his shoes.”

Walker plans to earn a degree in broadcast communications and pursue a professional basketball career.

“I would like to play in the NBA or possibly overseas,” Walker said. “If that does not work out, I want to be a sports announcer.”

Walker said he enjoys watching other sports and talking about them.

“It seems like it would be a fun job to have and that’s something I can see myself doing since I’m always watching and talking about sports.”

The senior Walker expressed that his son has the talent to play in the NBA, but said the proper work ethic and dedication off the court will determine
his future basketball career.

Walker, who holds a 3.14 GPA, has multiple transfer options for fall 2012. He is currently deciding between University of San Francisco, Saint Mary’s, TCU, Colorado and Missouri State.