Walker this way: United sign explosive guard

Tyson Walker is heading to Melbourne. United has confirmed the electric point guard as its second import for the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

At 6’1”, Walker brings serious speed, sharp handles and a highlight reel that promises fireworks on John Cain Arena.

Walker most recently featured in the G League, suiting up for the Texas Legends across 10 games and posting averages of 14.8 points, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals.

“I’m definitely excited to get there and get to work,” he told the club’s website.

“It’s my first time playing overseas, so I’m hoping it can be a good one in a great city. The conversations went really well talking to the whole staff. It seems like a really tight group, something you want to be a part of and I’m ready to be a part of it.

“They can expect a competitor. Someone who’s always going to play as hard as he can to try to win, a little bit of flashy stuff, not too much, and just a lot of energy.”

Before turning pro, Walker spent five years in the NCAA, earning All-Big Ten Second Team honours in each of his final two seasons at Michigan State.

He finished his collegiate career as the only player in Division 1 history with at least 2,000 points, 500 assists and 200 steals.

The 24-year-old also spent time with the Phoenix Suns during the NBA’s Summer League.

“When we identified the role, we wanted a super high-level on-ball defender and that was what attracted us to Tyson,” United coach Dean Vickerman explained.

“We looked back through his Michigan State days and saw his ability to be a point guard, but also to play off the basketball and score at a high level when he needs to.

“Then, moving on to the G-League, he was able to progress through the roster really quickly and establish himself as the lead decision-maker on that team.

“We look at our style of play for this year and we have the ability to play a little bit faster and put more pressure on the basketball and Tyson offers that in spades.

“He’s quick, he’s a New York point guard, there’s some flair and some sauce in the way that he plays, and I think he’s really going to entertain our fans.”

The American takes up United’s second import spot for NBL26, and joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Milton Doyle, Finn Delany, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson, Dash Daniels, Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens on the roster.