Walton claims title, ready for AAU

Arkansas point guard A.J. Walton is riding a wave of momentum into the spring period after winning a state championship this season. He is aiming for even more championships over the next few months.

The four-star guard from Hall High School in Little Rock helped pilot his team to the title with solid play at the point guard position. Walton, a 6-foot, 175-pound prospect, said he has to pinch himself about the run his team went on this season.

"It was a good season. We won a state championship. We got that title," Walton said. "I'm still amazed. It's been three or four weeks since we won and whenever we walk around, people will see us and say that we are the state champions. That is a good feeling. It's awesome.

"I would say I did pretty good. On a scale from one to ten, I'd say I played about a nine. I don't think I was right there yet but I did pretty good."

A state title and averages 14 points and eight assists a game is pretty good. That kind of steady play, he says, is exactly how he needs to play in April and July. He wants to play like one of the stars of the NCAA tournament.

"I know college coaches are looking for a real, true point guard these days. That is what I'm trying to become," Walton said. "I think D.J. Augustin is the best point guard in the nation. He puts his team on his back and lets it come to him. That's what I'm trying to do."

Walton will be back with the Arkansas Wings on the AAU circuit, something he has done since the second grade.

Expect the likes of Baylor, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Colorado and Arkansas to see him play. Each of the schools saw him during the high school season.

Walton has made unofficial visits to Baylor, Arkansas and Oklahoma. He says a couple of schools have stood out to him early.

"[Baylor has] been on it. Every game that they can come to, they are there. They show me a lot of respect and interest," Walton said. "They showed that they want me. Every time it is the first time the coaches can come out and see the players play, they are right there. I'm the first player they come and see play or practice. We get along really well.

"Arkansas is way up there, too. I'm an Arkansas boy. Coach Pelphrey has came up to see me. They have shown that they want me, coming to games. Coach Pelphrey was at the championship game. That was really a sight to see. That was good."

Walton said the deciding factor could come down to playing time and opportunity.

"I'd like to go to the school that let's me start when I'm a freshman like I want to and let me be the floor general," he said.