We are less than 2 weeks away from the tip-off of the college basketball season, which means that we still have time to start preparing for the action ahead. We will do so via a series of season previews featuring the best players/coaches in the country. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel continues our coverage with Michigan State G Tyson Walker, who talked about transferring last year and his expectations for this season.
You began your college career at Northeastern (where you were named 2021 conference DPOY) but decided to transfer to Michigan State last year: how big of an adjustment was it? It is very different: everybody out here speaks to you! When I walk around at home back East I just keep my headphones in because nobody wants to stop and talk or anything like that, so in that aspect it has been really cool. Playing 2 years in college with another scheme and then coming here and learning something completely different right away was the biggest adjustment. When I come to the gym I walk in with a smile on my face. Last year that was not happening but now I know what is going to happen at practice. Even outside of school I like just walking around campus: I walked everywhere last year until it became a bit colder.
You play for Coach Tom Izzo: how do you like playing for a Hall of Famer? I am an easygoing guy so when Coach Izzo yells I keep a straight face. AJ Hoggard and Coach are more similar in terms of their attitude/personality and their relationship has definitely grown a lot in the past year.
Last year your team started 17-4 and then lost 7 of its next 9: how were you able to get things back on track in March? Transfers usually sit out for a year but I did not get that chance. I had to step right into it and there was a lot to learn. I had some ups and downs but now I am prepared and know what I need to do.
How did you grow as a player last year? My biggest area of growth was the way that I looked around on the court. I feel more comfortable on the court now that I know how to get people shots and what to do on defense.
Your non-conference schedule includes games against Gonzaga/Kentucky/Villanova/Notre Dame as well as 3 tough games in the Phil Knight Invitational: how will you prepare to face such a gauntlet? You are going to see me playing both on and off the ball this season because I feel good doing both of those things. I am working on getting shots off the ball and on my dribbling.