Coast to coast interest in Walker

There is a uniqueness to Ty Walker, a 6-foot-11 center from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.C., that few other players in the class of 2008 possess.

For starters, the long and lanky center has the physical tools. He's athletic. He's raw. And the best part about him is that he is getting better and better. The No. 42 ranked player in the class of 2008 is playing at a high level and each time out, he is playing with more of a purpose.

Point in case was at the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, S.C. before the Christmas break. Paired against Drew Gordon, a five-star recruit from California, Walker was a force on the defensive end of the floor, blocking seven shots and altering a half doze others. In the championship game, Walker scored 17 points and showed he could make things happen on the offensive end of the floor.

"That was a big challenge for our team and we've played the best we've ever played since then," Walker said of his team's success in South Carolina. "Our team is playing with great chemistry. We're ready to play."

Walker is bridging the gap between potential and production and doing things with his game that should put him amongst the best of the best in the class of 2008.

"I feel more comfortable this year and I'm trying to be more of a leader and step up. I think I'm just starting to figure it out," Walker said.

Since playing well on the big stage, a number of high-majors are trying to their hat into the mix.

"Oh man, it's changed," Walker said. "Let's see, there is…"

The list could go on for a good 10 minutes. Walker said he has heard from Arizona, Kentucky, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Ohio State, South Carolina and Virginia since the Chick-Fil-A Classic.

Walker said Clemson, Wake Forest and North Carolina are recruiting him the hardest right now. There is one school that stands out above the rest.

"North Carolina has always been my dream college," Walker said. "If I do go there, I'm sure something really good can happen with my game and my life."

But the four-star prospect is quick to point out that he isn't in a rush to decide anything about his college future.

"Right now, there is no one that really stands out just because there are so many schools," Walker said. "I'm wide open. I want to take my time and think about what will be best for me and my family. I know they want to watch me in college and I want them to see me so I'd like to not have to go too far from home. But I don't think that is going to rule my decision. I think it's just safe to say that I'm wide open."

Walker and his talented New Hanover team will play at UNC-Wilmington on Friday night against rival Hoggard High School.