Gunner Walters’ game comes back full circle
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — Rochester Adams High School senior point guard Gunner Walters is back in a big way. And he aims to end his high school career with a flourish.
The son of renowned coach and former NBA player Rex Walters returns to reprise his role as floor leader for the Highlanders. He made the round trip home with a few stops along the way.
Gunner appears to be on track so far. He racked up 21 points and recorded eight assists in a 67-41 win over Birmingham Groves this week. He has come full circle. The fourth-year facilitator was on Adams’ varsity team as a freshman, and even started at point guard.
Gunner left Adams after ninth grade, when his father took a position as associate head coach at Wake Forest University. The family subsequently moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a sophomore, he enrolled at Mount Tabor High School and joined the Spartans’ squad.
Still another move was on the horizon. For his junior year, he switched to Grandview Preparatory School and resettled in South Florida. He poured in 18 points and added 2.6 steals per game for the Pride. In acknowledgment of his efforts, he was selected for second team All-State.
Several months later, his father was hired as an assistant coach by the New Orleans Pelicans. That stint would be short-lived as head coach Stan Van Gundy was terminated in June. As a result, the family returned to southeast Michigan.
Gunner plays with pizzazz yet doesn’t forsake the game’s fundamentals. He exhibits excellent court vision and shows exceptional handles on ball as well. The 6-foot hooper can hit an array of shots though looks to dish the ball just as much if not more.
As for future plans, right now he is uncommitted. As for what’s next, his father had something to say.
“I know he wants to play college basketball,” Rex said. “He wants to find a really good fit. As a father, I’d love to see him get his degree, of course. We’re just trying to play this season out and have a good year, then see who’s really interested. There’s been some schools that expressed some interest. I think that’s one of his goals to play college basketball.”
Over the last four years, Gunner has learned one of his greatest lessons.
“I think one thing he’s learned how to be adjustable,” Rex said. “This is his fourth high school and the second time at Adams. But he’s gotten four really different coaches. I think the biggest thing he’s learned in basketball is being able to adjust to a lot of different circumstances.”
Rex also shared some important things he taught his son about the game.
“With me, I think it’s been about details, just the details of the game, how the little things can have such a tremendous impact on playing winning basketball, helping your team win,” he said. “Hopefully, he’s learned that from me. I think he’s got some of my competitiveness. I think he’s got some of my drive. He’s very competitive. He’s a lot of fun to watch. I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished so far. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”
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