Mj Walker Bio
James Michael “M. J.” Walker Jr. is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles, where he earned accolades such as being named Second-team All-ACC in 2021 and participating in the Nike Hoop Summit. Following his college career, he has played for several teams in the NBA and Canadian leagues.
Early Life and Background
James Michael Walker Jr. was born on March 28, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a family that valued sports, with both parents being athletes; his father, James Walker, played college basketball at Norfolk State University, and his mother, Jackie Walker, played women’s college basketball for Hampton University. Walker attended Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Georgia, where he initially played football before deciding to focus solely on basketball after the summer of 2016.
During his high school career, Walker showcased his talent on the basketball court, leading his team to significant victories. As a sophomore in the 2014-15 season, he averaged 17.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, helping Jonesboro achieve a remarkable 32-1 record and win the 2015 Georgia Class 4A state championship. His performance continued to improve in subsequent years, culminating in an impressive senior season where he averaged 27.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Path to Basketball
After high school, M. J. Walker was recognized as a five-star recruit and received offers from several prestigious programs, including Florida State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, UCLA, and Virginia Tech. Ultimately, he committed to play college basketball for the Florida State Seminoles. During his college career, he made a significant impact, particularly in his senior year, where he averaged 12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, earning Second Team All-ACC honors.
Walker declared for the 2021 NBA Draft after his senior season, forgoing an additional year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His journey in professional basketball began after going undrafted in 2021.
Mj Walker Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Following the 2021 NBA Draft, M. J. Walker signed with the New York Knicks on August 20, 2021, but was waived shortly thereafter on October 16. He then joined the Westchester Knicks as an affiliate player in October 2021, where he averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during his tenure. In December 2021, he signed a 10-day hardship exemption contract with the Phoenix Suns, appearing in two games for the team.
After returning to the Westchester Knicks in early 2022, Walker continued to develop his skills and gain experience in the NBA G League. In June 2023, he signed with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League but was released after averaging 11.2 points in nine games.
Breakthrough (2023-2024)
On July 29, 2023, M. J. Walker signed with the Brampton Honey Badgers ahead of the postseason, marking another step in his professional career. He then signed with Saint-Quentin of the LNB Pro A in August 2023, where he continued to showcase his abilities on the court. In January 2024, he joined the Greensboro Swarm, further solidifying his presence in the G League.
In March 2024, Walker signed with the Canterbury Rams of the New Zealand National Basketball League for the 2024 season, and he is expected to continue his professional career with the Greensboro Swarm through the 2024-2025 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
M. J. Walker’s notable achievements include being named a McDonald’s All-American in 2017 and participating in the Nike Hoop Summit the same year. He was also recognized as a Second-team All-ACC player in 2021 and won the NZNBL championship in 2024.
Mj Walker Award Nominations
Throughout his career, M. J. Walker has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time in college and early professional career, highlighting his talent and potential in the sport.
Mj Walker Awards Won
M. J. Walker has achieved notable awards, including the NZNBL championship in 2024, Second-team All-ACC in 2021, and recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2017.
Mj Walker Family
James Michael Walker Jr. is the son of James and Jackie Walker. He has an older sister, Amoni, who plays for Miles College. His family has a strong athletic background, which has influenced his career in basketball.
Personal Life
Details about M. J. Walker’s personal life remain private, but it is known that he has a supportive family that has played a significant role in his development as an athlete. His parents have been instrumental in guiding his career choices and encouraging his passion for basketball.