Wisconsin Basketball Named a Finalist for 2025 Forward EJ Walker

Originally posted on Badger Notes | By Dillon Graff | Last updated 5/20/24

Coming off his official visit to Madison, four-star forward EJ Walker said the Wisconsin basketball program “would be there” come decision time.

“My relationship with the staff is great,” Walker said. The staff and my family also have a great relationship. I haven’t figured out where God is calling me, but they [Wisconsin] will be there at decision time.”

Turns out Walker wasn’t blowing smoke because the Badgers were named a finalist for Walker alongside South Carolina, Ohio State, and Purdue. He plans to announce his college commitment this Friday at 5 p.m. CST.

I will be committing on 5/24 6pm Lloyd Memorial HS Scheben Gym. Everyone is invited @PaulBiancardi @TheRealNickOsen @ebosshoops @Rivals @TiptonEdits @on3 @MidwestBBClub @CoachDRamey613 @jakeweingarten @EvanDennison1 pic.twitter.com/54fhJHtAes

— EJ Walker (@ejwalker_) May 20, 2024

According to the composite rankings, Walker is considered the No. 146 overall prospect in his class and the No. 29 power forward.

Wisconsin Basketball Makes Final 4 for EJ Walker

Greg Gard and the Wisconsin basketball coaching staff have been heavily involved in EJ Walker’s recruitment since they offered him in May 2023.

Since then, the Badgers have gotten Walker on campus twice for unofficial visits and once for an official visit in late April, with assistant coach Sharif Chambliss taking the lead on this recruitment.

“The staff was great on my recruiting visits,” Walker said. “They make it feel like home, and it’s a family atmosphere. Coach Chambliss checks in on me a lot.”

After the Wisconsin basketball staff missed on in-state forward Xzavion Mitchell, Walker became the unquestioned top target at the “four” in this 2025 cycle. Walker reportedly received offers from 27 programs during his recruitment but only took officials to South Carolina and Wisconsin.

A source indicated to me that this is a two-horse race between the two schools mentioned above and that former Wisconsin basketball assistant and reigning SEC Coach of the Year Lamont Paris has done an excellent job building a relationship with Walker and his family.

Right now, Wisconsin basketball doesn’t have a clear Plan B behind Walker, which indicates it’s the Kentucky native or bust for the Badgers.

This article first appeared on Badger Notes and was syndicated with permission.

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