ORLANDO – UCF forward C.J. Walker announced on Wednesday that he has withdrawn his name from the NBA Draft and will be returning to play for the Knights for the 2021-22 season.
"Going through this draft process over the past few months has been an amazing experience," Walker said via a post on Instagram announcing his return to the program. "I have received positive feedback and constructive criticism from NBA teams that has allowed me to grow my game a lot this offseason.
"After discussing with my family, I have decided the best thing for my game is to return to UCF for my junior season. I am excited to be back and to play in front of a full arena of fans this season... LET'S CHARGE ON!!"
Walker, a first-year Knight in 2020-21, led the squad and the American Athletic Conference with 1.7 blocked shots per game during his first season in Orlando. The Sanford, Florida native averaged 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 21 games played, including 15 starts. He averaged over 25 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-8 Walker also notched 19 assists and 19 steals on the season while shooting 44.4 percent from the field as a sophomore. He turned in double-digit scoring performances five times, including in each of the final three games of the season. His best game of the year came as an 18-point, nine-rebound performance in an 81-65 win over South Florida on Feb. 17.
Walker entered his name for the NBA Draft earlier in the offseason but ultimately decided to return to the Knights to play another year of college basketball. He joins UCF "super seniors" Brandon Mahan and Darius Perry, as well as rising sophomore Isaiah Adams, who also announced they would be returning to UCF for another season in 2021-22.