Manifesting a Walker Horn three-pointer

There are a lot of things I’d like to see from Kentucky Basketball in the weeks ahead, most of which involve improved shooting, fixing rotations, figuring out spacing, beating someone with a pulse, and getting through the holiday season without giving me another on-air meltdown, like the one I had on KSR this morning. But tucked beneath all of the big-picture goals and concerns is one very specific, very silly, yet very important wish. I need Walker Horn to hit a three-pointer.

Walker Horn has been around so long that he’s now a veteran of two eras. He’s the lone holdover from the Calipari years, the bridge between two completely different coaching worlds. He’s been here since 2022-23, surviving the first-round loss to Oakland, roster overhauls, transfers, coaching changes, and everything in between, all while doing exactly what you want a walk-on to do: work hard, hype harder, and be ready in blowouts.

This season, Horn’s senior year, he and fellow walk-on Zach Tow have already checked into the final minute of four home games. And every single time, Rupp Arena reacts with a roar of applause and excitement. When they touch the ball, the Big Blue Nation collectively shouts, “SHOOT IT!“

And Horn listens. That’s the best part. Horn isn’t out there to burn clock, run motion, or politely blend into the background of garbage time. He lets it fly. Immediately. Sam Malone victory cigar energy. Catch, rise, release. No hesitation and no conscience. Walker Horn gives the people what they want. The only problem is that he hasn’t seen one go in yet. Not this year. Not last year. Not ever. Career: 0-for-everything.

And the window is closing. Respectfully, he’s not checking in against North Carolina or Gonzaga or St. John’s or against anyone in the SEC. These early-season blowout wins are the whole Walker Horn shot chart. We get a few more chances in the non-conference, but that’s it.

That’s why I need one. Not for the box score, not for analytics, not for any meaningful reason at all. Just because the entire building wants it. Because the bench will explode. Because it will be the loudest three of the season. Because the senior walk-on deserves that one moment of Rupp Arena magic before he’s done.

I don’t ask for much. Just one Walker Horn three. I want it for him and for everyone in Rupp Arena who lights up when he checks in.

And after that, a Zach Tow dunk.