K-State’s Bill Walker declares for NBA draft but won’t hire agent

MANHATTAN, Kan. | Kansas State hasn’t had multiple NBA draft picks in 26 years, but that could change this summer.

On the heels of the announcement that Michael Beasley was declaring for the draft, freshman Bill Walker also has declared, Wildcats coach Frank Martin said Monday. Walker, a 6-foot-6 forward, has not hired an agent, so he could withdraw his name from the NBA draft up until June 16. The draft is June 26.

“A year ago, he was an NBA lottery pick, so I don’t see why he shouldn’t go find out where his status is at right now. It’s the right thing to do,” said Martin, adding that NBA insiders have told him Walker could go in the first round.

If both Walker and Michael Beasley, who also declared for the draft, get picked, it’ll be the first time since 1982 the Wildcats had more than one player chosen the same year. In that draft, Ed Nealy, Tyrone Adams and Randy Reed were selected.

Walker, who averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds, made a comeback from a knee injury suffered in the first Big 12 game in 2006-07. He missed the rest of the season before returning in 2007-08. Martin said Walker’s ability to bounce back and play in the shadow of Beasley makes him extraordinary.

“Whether it’s fairly or unfairly judged, he’s been judged on a team where the person next to him is going to be the first pick in the draft,” Martin said. ”

If Walker doesn’t pull his name out of the draft, his departure, coupled with the loss of Beasley, leaves some holes. Martin, though, isn’t concerned how others may view what he has left.

“I’m excited about what we’ve got,” Martin said.

He added that K-State will seek a medical hardship for senior David Hoskins.