Tyson Walker, the talented guard from Michigan State University, recently shared insights into his basketball journey in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Reflecting on his early memories of Michigan State basketball, Walker fondly recalled watching players like Denzel Valentine and Cassius Winston, admiring their skills and the freedom given to guards under Coach Tom Izzo’s guidance.
“Just seeing Denzel Valentine and then I really started paying attention, and then watching Cassius [Winston]; he was one of the best to come through here passing and scoring wise. Just watching them how they get up and down the floor and how the coach let guards know that they got the keys,” he said.
Regarding his senior season at Michigan State, Walker expressed satisfaction with his individual performance but stressed the importance of team success, highlighting the need to capitalize on opportunities in the upcoming tournament.
“Senior season has been good, you know? We had a couple letdowns and we’re putting together some good stretches at the end of games and now we seem to be looking totally different right now,” Walker said.
“So just other than that though, I have been playing well by doing what’s expected of me — I think that’s a big part in meeting expectations, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t win. So now it’s time. We got seven games left in the regular season and we gotta put a good stretch together and make a run in the tournament.”
Walker provided a glimpse into Coach Tom Izzo’s personality, describing him as someone who values humor and camaraderie while maintaining high expectations for his players.
Regarding his basketball influences, Walker mentioned receiving compliments for his finishing ability and defensive skills, citing NBA players like Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and Tyrese Haliburton as inspirations.
“So basketball player definitely Kyrie [Irving], Dame, I see a lot of Jalen Brunson and a lot of Tyrese Haliburton. See him a lot now,” the point guard said. “Those are the main ones that I see — oh and Luka [Doncic] but I really don’t like watching Luka because he’s 6’7” and stuff.
“And videos? I don’t really be on YouTube like that. I used to a couple years ago watch the Kobe interviews he used to do; I used to play that making breakfast before games but that was it though.”
Walker also discussed his appreciation for basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, recognizing their impact on the game and their ability to make the game look effortless.
“For sure. I’ve seen Kobe when I was younger, but I can’t walk you through a game that he played that I can remember watching him play so you have a good point there. Especially for Jordan. I never saw Jordan. I used to watch videos or they would show some of the old games,” he said.
