ORLANDO – Jaykwon Walton, Wichita State's leading scorer during the 2022-23 season, has signed with the UCF men's basketball team as the Knights gear up for their inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, head coach Johnny Dawkins announced on Wednesday.
"Jaykwon is a dynamic scorer," said Coach Dawkins. "He can really shoot the basketball from behind the arc and is also capable of finishing at the rim. He has a good feel for the game and we're excited to welcome him to the UCF family."
Walton averaged 13.9 points per game and scored double digit points in 21 of the 28 games he played in last season, including 11 straight from Jan. 14-Feb. 23. He netted 20 points or more six times and registered three double-doubles. He ranked third in the American Athletic Conference in three-point percentage among those who qualified, sinking 42 triples in 105 attempts for a 40% clip from long range. The six-foot-seven guard was an impressive 53.5% from the field, a mark that was sixth in conference play.
Walton arrived to Wichita State after being ranked as the nation's No. 6 JUCO recruit per 24/7 Sports. He had a remarkable year at Shelton State, helping his team to a 30-5 record, a No. 17 national ranking and a trip to the NJCAA national tournament. He averaged 12.9 points in 22 games with Shelton State.
Prior to his time in JUCO, Walton was rostered with Georgia for two seasons, playing in a total of nine games. Walton was a four-star prospect ranked No. 69 by ESPN.com, No. 77 by 24/7 Sports Composite and No. 85 by Rivals.
Walton is the third addition via the transfer portal ahead of UCF's first season as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Knights have announced the additions of forward Omar Payne from Jacksonville and guard Shemarri Allen from UMKC earlier this month. The three transfers join incoming freshmen Comeh Emuobor and Petras Padegimas.
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