Brea’s Walker Commits to UCLA

Kevin Walker, Brea-Olinda High School’s 6-foot 10-inch center, has made a verbal commitment to UCLA and is expected to sign a national letter of intent with the Bruins on Nov. 13.

Walker averaged 20.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and shot 56% from the field for the Wildcats last season. He was named to Street & Smith Magazine’s 1985-86 prep All-American honorable mention team.

“I think that going to UCLA is a great opportunity for me,” Walker said. “I’m very excited. Academically and playing basketball, the school was the best choice for me. The lack of big men in their program weighed heavily in my decision.”

Walker, who has a 2.7 grade-point average, had narrowed his college choices to UC Irvine, California and UCLA. Walker also had home visits from USC, Arizona, Washington and New Mexico.

“I’ve been watching UCLA on television since I was a little kid,” Walker said. “I’ve been a fan year after year. It feels weird now to be a part of a program that I rooted for as a kid.”

Walker gained 25 pounds in an off-season weightlifting program and said playing at 212 pounds will give him more confidence in his rebounding skills.

Walker became the second Southern California standout to commit to the Bruins this week. Earlier, Cleveland High forward Trevor Wilson announced he also would sign with UCLA. Wilson averaged 24.9 points per game for Cleveland.

Walker is the second Orange County player to commit to a Pacific 10 school. Bryant Walton of Saddleback announced last month he would sign with California.

Two other county players also are expected to sign national letters of intent Nov. 13. Katella forward Bobby Erbst is considering USC, UCLA, Arizona, Syracuse and Washington. Mater Dei forward Stuart Thomas is considering Arizona, UC Irvine, UCLA and Stanford.