Move Over Mr. Curry: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Ranger is the new sheriff
Much like your favorite band, Kemba Walker has been performing masterpieces in front of audiences that grow in size with each passing year.
From high-school to the NBA, Walker has always been a scorer. Last night, in a 118-105 loss, he became the most prolific scorer in Charlotte Hornets franchise history. With a nifty lay up in traffic Walker scored his 9,841st point, surpassing Dell Curry, father of Steph, for the franchise record.
It all started in the inner-city area of Bronx, NY, a city that Kemba would come to make his own. At Rice High School, he was a gritty point guard with a will to win. In front of hundreds each night, Kemba was easily the best player on the floor. Averaging 18 points and 5 assists his senior year, the guard was selected to McDonald’s All-American team, an honor every high school player strives for.
When he arrived in Storrs, CT, the newest UConn Husky fit right in. Used to tough neighborhoods, Kemba got nothing but tough love from his coach, Jim Calhoun. He never hung his head, always looked to improve his game, and by the time his junior season rolled around Kemba was ready to take the reins.
As the size of the venue grew, so did his skill. It still irks me to this day that Jimmer Fredette won Naismith Player of the Year in 2011, but Walker would walk away with the trophy that really mattered.
In a historic run that started just down the street from where he grew up, the Huskies rattled off 11 straight wins. Five in Madison Square Garden (highlighted by a merciless step-back that broke ankles and beat the buzzer that most fans have seen by now), and six in the NCAA tournament.
The stretch of 11 wins that culminated in a Big East Tournament title and an NCAA Championship is still considered one of the best postseasons in NCAA history. Walker finished his junior campaign averaging 27 points, four assists and cementing his legacy as one of the best players in UConn history, no small feat.
Now in his seventh season in the NBA, Kemba has become a name you need to know and game you need to respect. He brings his signature step-back to arenas throughout the league, embarrassing any unlucky forward that switches to him in the pick-and-roll. His dribbling prowess and ability to create space has allowed the 6’ 1” point guard to survive in a league that is getting bigger, stronger and more athletic with each passing season.
The little guard with a big heart is still determined to carry his team to a win every time he steps on the floor. Kemba has received two All-Star appearances in seven seasons, so the next step is playoff success.
After the game, the humble kid from the Bronx shined through. “I’m not supposed to be here. A lot of people from where I’m from don’t make it.”
For now, let’s celebrate one of the hardest working players in the NBA reaching a milestone that is well-deserved.
(image via NBA)
Thank you Kemba, keep the records and accolades coming.
