Walker graduated from UAlbany in 2019 with a BA in Communications, then earned an MS in Sport Business Management from Manhattanville College. While in college, he played football from 2012-2017 (participating in the New York Jets Pro Day in 2016) and lacrosse from 2013-2015. After a brief stint in the American Arena League as a wide receiver for the Jersey Bearcats in 2019, Walker landed an internship with the Brooklyn Nets coaching a Jr. NBA team, a role that has since turned into a seasonal Administrative Specialist & Assistant Director position with the Brooklyn Nets Academy each summer.
In addition to these roles, Walker is the founder and Executive Director of Smoke Athletics, a non-profit organization. Walker has also been involved in AAU coaching as well as basketball camps hosted by both professional and collegiate teams such as the New York Knicks, Siena Saints, and more. A former multi-sport athlete himself, he brings a diverse coaching background to the Panthers coaching staff.
When asked about how his football and basketball experiences collide, he says, “First sport is football, which teaches discipline & requires toughness. Being able to play two different sports in college at a high level, and then being able to transition to basketball is an athletic highlight alone. With many obstacles to overcome, sports was my outlet to forget everything else existed.” Coach Walker joined the Panthers in September of 2022 as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach & Athletic Operations Assistant, a role which has morphed into a skills development trainer for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
When Walker is not coaching or participating in sports, he enjoys spending time with his dog, named King, playing video games, and has a strong passion for baking and cooking.
