2020 is long ways away, but for 8th Grader, Kyree Walker, it can’t come soon enough. Considered by many to be the top player in his class, Walker has already received offers from schools such as California, Cal Poly, and Pacific, but while most highly coveted recruits are looking to choose a college, Walker is still deciding on a high school. Wherever he decides to attend high school, it is clear, through his play with the Oakland Soldiers, that Walker is one of the most intriguing incoming freshman.

Walker has been a basketball player all his life. Learning how to play at the age of seven, it was until he was nine that he began to take his game to new heights. “When I was nine, I told my dad I want to really play and he said, ‘We’re gonna catch everybody that’s ahead of us,’ and that’s what I’m doing.” Said the 6’5”, 14 year old.

Within a matter of years, Walker began to prove himself as one of the most promising prospects in the Class of 2020. Being recognized as a national recruit can be stressful for anyone, but for a 14-year-old, the stress can be overwhelming. However, Walker has displayed a unique ability to block out the outside noises, saying, “I don’t think that pressure is in my vocabulary. The attention is really good right now because it’s allowing me to learn things as I get older. As a freshman next year, I’m going to have to focus a lot more.”

Since Walker is only in middle school, he gets the most attention from scouts during AAU season. Playing with the Oakland Soldiers, alongside fellow 8th grader, Shemar Morrow, Walker has given everyone a preview of what’s to come in the upcoming years. “I play against top competition every day,” Walker explained. “I want to make it to Peach Jam for 16U with Oakland Soldiers. I also want to win a national championship as an eighth grader.”

With high ambitions and a great supporting cast around him, Walker is in a great position to cement his status as one of the nation’s best.

Although he is yet to play high school basketball, Walker is ready to handle the tough nature of the recruiting process. “When I enter my freshman year, I’m gonna make a plan.” Explained the Small Forward. “I’m just looking for a great environment where everybody gets to know each other and knows how the team plays.”

With all the pressure surrounding him, it can be hard for Walker to find the time to be a normal eighth grader. “I don’t really do a lot.” He says. “I don’t go out. I stay home. I might go out with my friends, here and there, but other than that I’m pretty quiet. I just go out when I need to out.”

There is no doubt, that even at 14 years old, Walker is determined towards his ultimate goal of making it to the NBA. Not only does he want to make it to the NBA, but he doesn’t stop there, saying, “My main goal is to make it to the NBA, but I also want to help the community, help the kids around me, and help the kids that are learning from me right now.”

As Kyree Walker continues to take over the AAU circuit with the Oakland Soldiers, he should be someone to keep on your radar next year, as an incoming freshman. With AAU season in full swing, Kyree Walker continues to demonstrate his power as an elite prospect, as he said best, “ I’ve had to face a lot of adversity, having people talk about me, saying things. I’ve overcome injuries, people tweeting about my injuries, but all of it has made me stronger.”