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Indianapolis Star
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Why Noblesville guard Baron Walker picked Butler: 'Can't really see myself anywhere else'
When Baron Walker was going through the recruiting process, his parents told him 'go somewhere where you are going to be wanted.' Staying home, as it turned out, was the most appealing option. Walker, a 6-3 senior-to-be, committed to Butler on Tuesday night, just three hours after receiving an offer from the Bulldogs. Walker took a visit to campus Monday and 24 hours later became the Bulldogs' first commit in the 2026 class. 'It just feels like home,' Walker said. 'Obviously it's not too far, but it feels like it's somewhere I want to be and I feel like I can succeed there and really help out with whatever they are trying to build.' Walker averaged 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game and earned a spot on the Junior All-Stars team last season, shooting 50% from the field, 40.2% from the 3-point line (37-for-92) and 82% from the free-throw line. But with most colleges recruiting the transfer portal first, Walker did not pick up his first offer until Indiana State in May. Several more followed: Bellarmine, Boston University, Central Michigan, IU Indy, Wright State, Ball State, Belmont, Miami (Ohio), Montana and SIU-Edwardsville offered prior to Butler. 'I was in contact with (Butler) after the FORUM Tipoff Classic in December,' Walker said. 'I talked to them a little bit throughout the season and going through that live period with the Charlie Hughes (Shootout in June), they showed a lot more interest. I went down to campus before and saw them practice… ultimately for me, I just felt like it feels like home. I know that I want to go there and can't really see myself anywhere else.' Though the offers did not come until a little later than expected, Walker said he was confident in himself. He credited his parents, along with Noblesville coach Scott McClelland and his coach Grand Park Premier, Dustin Smith. 'Obviously that portal is crazy,' he said. 'It kind of downgrades high school recruiting for a lot of kids. But I think for me just sticking my head down and grinding and just trusting the process (was important). I give a lot of credit to both my parents. They helped me and gave me all the confidence I need.' What type of player is Butler getting in Walker? His shooting numbers across the board are outstanding, particularly considering the competition Noblesville faces throughout the season. Walker is more than just an offensive standout. He is often tasked with guarding the best player on the opposing team, a trait that stood out to the Butler staff. ''Winning' was said a lot,' Walker said. 'A lot of guys are winners, but I just feel like going out there and doing my job — whatever that is, going out there and guarding the other team's best (player) or having to go out there and score — ultimately that's what I would say. Just bringing a guard to help the team succeed.' Butler coach Thad Matta has had success recruiting Central Indiana in recent seasons, getting commitment from Brebeuf Jesuit guard Evan Haywood (will be a sophomore) and incoming freshmen Azavier 'Stink' Robinson from Lawrence North and Bryson Cardinal from Guerin Catholic.
Indianapolis Star
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Through the years: Noblesville standout Justin Curry is a 2026 Mr. Basketball candidate
Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) rushes up the court against Mt. Vernon Marauders Tanner Teschendorf (22) on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, during the game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Mt. Vernon Marauders, 50-46. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) grabs a rebound Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, during an Indiana High School Basketball FORUM Tipoff Classic game between Noblesville and Jeffersonville at Southport Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Jeffersonville Red Devils guard Michael Cooper (5) runs past Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, during an Indiana High School Basketball FORUM Tipoff Classic game between Noblesville and Jeffersonville at Southport Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Fishers High School sophomore Cooper Zachary (4) attempts to steal the ball away from Noblesville High School junior Justin Curry II (10) during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Noblesville High School. Fishers High School senior Nathan Baker (42) attempts to block a shot by Noblesville High School junior Justin Curry II (10) during the first half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at Noblesville High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Future South All-Star Julien Smith (2), a sophomore from Mt. Vernon Fortville High School, shoots while being defended by Future North All-Star Justin Curry (8), a sophomore from Noblesville High School, during the first half of an Indiana All-Stars Futures boys’ game, Monday, June 3, 2024, at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Future North All-Star Justin Curry (8), a sophomore from Noblesville High School, shoots during the first half of an Indiana All-Stars Futures boys’ game, Monday, June 3, 2024, at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Future North All-Star Justin Curry (8), a sophomore from Noblesville High School, is defended by Future South All-Star Eli Sego (0), a sophomore from Triton Central High School, during the first half of an Indiana All-Stars Futures boys’ game, Monday, June 3, 2024, at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry (10) shoots the ball against Fishers Tigers guard Taden Metzger (2) on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 49-47. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) goes in for a lay-up against Westfield Shamrocks Trey Buchanan (3) on Friday, March 1, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional semifinal at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Noblesville Millers defeated the Westfield Shamrocks, 71-43. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Noblesville Millers Justin Curry (10) dunks the ball, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Noblesville beat Zionsville 67-49 and will advance to play the Westfield Shamrocks in the Class 4A semifinals game on March 1. Joe Timmerman/IndyStar Noblesville Millers Justin Curry (10) shoots a three-pointer, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Noblesville beat Zionsville 67-49 and will advance to play the Westfield Shamrocks in the Class 4A semifinals game on March 1. Joe Timmerman/IndyStar Noblesville Millers Justin Curry (10) jumps for a dunk, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Noblesville beat Zionsville 67-49 and will advance to play the Westfield Shamrocks in the Class 4A semifinals game on March 1. Joe Timmerman/IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) shoots the ball against Westfield Shamrocks Trey Buchanan (3) on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, during the game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Westfield Shamrocks defeated the Noblesville Millers, 58-54. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Noblesville High School sophomore Justin Curry II (10) and Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School senior Mason Lewis (12) battle for a rebound during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Southport High School in the Forum Tipoff Classic. Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) stumbles across the court Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, during the game at Fishers High School in Fishers. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 66-59. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Noblesville Millers guard Justin Curry II (10) attempts to score against Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, during the game at Fishers High School in Fishers. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 66-59. Grace Hollars/IndyStar
