ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 26, 1997 TAG: 9703260041
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
A strong senior season gives Radford's Anthony Walker a chance at professional basketball.
Radford senior guard Anthony Walker has been invited to the 45th annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, one of the top camps for prospective professional basketball players.
Walker, a 6-foot shooting guard from Columbus, Ohio, is one of 64 players invited from across the nation to showcase their skills in front of scouts from the NBA, CBA and foreign leagues.
``I can't express how elated I am for Anthony,'' said Radford coach Ron Bradley. ``Sometimes you worry that players like Anthony don't get the attention it takes to earn this type of honor. He really deserves it and I think he'll open a lot of eyes.''
The tournament serves as a showcase for players from smaller schools who don't have the big-name recognition.
Walker earned first-team All-Big South Conference honors for the second straight year after ranking in the top six in a half-dozen league categories. He led the Highlanders with a 15.4 scoring average (fifth in the league) and 4.9 assists per game (third). He was third in the Big South in 3-point percentage, fourth in free-throw percentage and field-goal percentage, and sixth in steals.
Walker, an interdisciplinary studies major, is Radford's all-time leader in assists (510) and second-leading scorer (1,601).
``We keep an eye on players throughout their career, but a good senior season puts you higher on the list for consideration,'' said Rudolph Freeman, Portsmouth Invitational director. ``Players who do well here will be invited on to NBA camps at Phoenix and then Chicago.''
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Walkerby CNB