4-star Sam Walters sets first official visit, talks about relationship with Alabama

Sam Walters is On3’s No. 73 player in the 2023 class. The 6-foot-9 forward finished EYBL Louisville scoring 15 points with seven rebounds on 6 of 11 shooting.

“I’m a long, versatile player,” Walters told On3. “I can shoot threes, rebound, push the break. I’ve heard a play like Franz Wagner, but I watch a lot of Kevin Durant, guys who are long who can shoot threes and handle.”

He finished 4 of 10 from three in the five EYBL Louisville games; in particular, one school has noticed Walters’ game. On3 caught up with Sam Walters after his final game this weekend to see where his recruitment stood.

“I am going on an official visit to Alabama next week. That is my first visit, and the only one I have scheduled right now,” Walters said.

Walters talks recruitment

Alabama: “I’ve built a great relationship with the coaches in such a short time. They reach out a lot, and I enjoy talking to them. I feel like I have a true, genuine bond with them.”

“Maybe Rutgers; I’m not sure where I’ll visit after Alabama. There are a lot of schools that are reaching out, like Virginia, some, Illinois, and UCF. I am a big relationship guy; there is no one school other than Alabama, but I want to go somewhere who thinks they can develop me into a pro.”

Walters’ take

“Right now, the goal date will be September,” Walters said. “It may be earlier; I don’t know just depends on how I feel when I go on these visits.

“The location doesn’t really matter to me. The play style of the school will be something I look closely at. I want to go to a program that will let me play how I play, allow me to be a versatile guy at my height, and play with the ball in my hands. The development will be big for me too; I want to be a pro, which is my goal.”

On3’s take

Lefty, Sam Walters has good size and length and is skilled. He can push the break and make a play under control. Walters can line up at multiple spots on the floor. He can create out of the high post, play as a pick and pop big, or create as a true wing. There are lateral questions there, would like to see him get more consistency shooting – but he can knock down catch and shoot threes. There is a lot of fluidity in the way he moves and skill in his handle and ability with the ball in his hands. Already a top 100 prospect, there is an upside there for continued growth.