BA Walker
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 160
High School: Nandua High School
College: Virginia Commonwealth University
BA Walker excelled for four seasons in a VCU uniform. Walker scored 1,480 points during his career, which ranks 10th in school history. He was also a second-team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection in 2007. Also, BA Walker is the school's all-time leader in 3-pointers (269), ranks ninth in 3-point percentage (.391) and steals (120), and is 10th in career assists (302).
BA Walker played basketball overseas in the Iceland Express League during his rookie season. After playing for The Rotterdam Challengers in the Men's Dutch Basketball League, BA recently signed to play this upcoming season in Germany.
Recent Headlines
09/05 - Walker arrives in Germany
B.A. Walker has landed in Germany. The former Nandua High School and Virginia Common-wealth University star is now in his third season of professional basketball. Walker is now a member of the Dusseldorf Giants. Walker reportedly was kept awake during his trans-Atlantic flight by three crying babies. But he was awake and ready to take his first tour of Dusseldorf the following day as provided by his team. Walker is scheduled to meet the Dusseldorf fans Sunday. On Monday Walker and Jonathan Cox, the team's new center, were introduced to the German media. B.A. spoke of his first professional season in Iceland and his experiences in Rotterdam last season. After the media meeting, both players were introduced to their new teammates. The Giants will begin their season in October. -- delmarvanow.com
08/12 - Walker signs to play in Germany
B.A. Walker has signed to play basketball this season in Dusseldorf, Germany. After highly successful seasons in Iceland and Rotterdam, Walker believes this will be an important step up for him in his professional career on the hardwood. The Giants plan to use Walker at both shooting and point guard, positions he is familiar with from his play at Nandua High School, Virginia Commonwealth University and his two pro teams. In 40 games with Rotterdam last season Walker averaged 18.8 points a game, the third highest scorer in the league. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and three assists per game. "With Bobby Walker we have a very versatile player commit," said Giants head coach Achim Kuczmann about his newcomer. "He has a very good college career and look back two years has already played in Europe. In Holland he was one of the best players in the league. Bobby is on the one hand, of course, a scorer, but also a good team player. "Kuczmann was impressed with Walkers outside shooting ability and his solid free throw percentage. "I leave for Germany in two weeks," said Walker. He admits not speaking any German, but said he is willing to learn. -- delmarvanow.com
08/01 - Walkers' camps a pleasure to watch To the editor:
My son recently attended the B. A. Walker basketball camp held at Nandua High school along with nearly 30 other high school-aged boys. As a parent spectator I saw the hallmarks of a well-organized, motivating camp. The components of successful coaching were evident in the way the camp was planned and conducted. The Walker family filled each day with competitive drills, game situations, character development and motivation in a balance that kept the camp and campers moving at a brisk pace. The theme that most impressed me was stated by Bobby Walker. He emphasized that to excel at basketball or any sport, a player must perfect all the components of the offensive and defensive game using a balanced approach of drills, game situations, goal setting and effort. They said, to paraphrase, that everyone can see how great LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are when they see them on television, but nobody sees the hard work they put themselves through to get there. While Bobby, Steve and B.A. Walker conducted the teen camp at Nandua High School, a parallel camp was held for younger campers at Nandua Middle School, where Tyree Walker provided a similar week for pre-teens. On the final day of camp, the players all left smiling. I recommend the camp to anyone looking for a summer camp where sportsmanship, teamwork, effort, hustle and skill building are the things you are looking for for your children.
Rod Hennessey
Painter -- delmarvanow.com
07/11 - Pro Walker heads hoops camp
B.A. Walker was back to his old gym last week, a place where, during his high school days, he filled up the stands and brought standing ovations. He wasn't back to replay his high school heroics or to reminisce about the two state championship basketball teams he played on at Nandua. He was back to lend his expertise on the hardwood to some of the younger generation basketball players as part of the Walker Basketball Camp. "I really can't take credit for the camp," said Walker. "My family and friends really set things up and allowed me to just step in and play with the kids." Walker said he remembers well going to camps when he was young and playing basketball in the Accomack County Parks and Recreation leagues. "I was lucky to have all the opportunities when I was young and I hope this will help to give some of the same opportunities to the youth today," said Walker. Walker knows a great deal about success. He has been successful at the high school, collegiate and now professional levels of the game of basketball. "I love the game," said Walker. "I've always loved the game ever since I first picked up a basketball." Walker was successful in high school, leading Nandua to back-to-back state titles. He continued to be successful as both a point guard and shooting guard at Virginia Commonwealth University, starting all four years. Walker also has been successful in the professional ranks. Walker has had a tour of the world in his two years since graduating from Virginia Commonwealth. He played completed seasons in Iceland and Rotterdam and part of a season in Belgium. In his last full season at Rotterdam, Walker led the team in scoring, although he continued to play the point in many games. Just last week he received an offer to play next season in Germany. "That would be a step up," said Walker. "I'll get together with my agent and we'll probably play in Germany this season." Walker continues a dream to play one day in the NBA. "That would be nice," he stated. "I'll just continue to work hard and hope that someone in the NBA takes notice." For now Walker is content to take his game to a higher level. He said he works out daily and is never away from the gym for very long. "I want to be ready to help whatever team I'm on to have a winning season," said Walker. "I'm living a dream to play basketball and get paid for it. I'll be ready if the NBA should call." Walker has been a winner at all his basketball efforts. That's because he puts team before self. "It's just as important to me to set up a teammate," said Walker. "I get a kick out of making a good pass. It's all part of the game." For motivation at the camp, Walker turned to Nadine Domond, a personal basketball trainer and motivational speaker. Domond played for Hall of Fame Coach Vivian Stringer at the University of Iowa and is no stranger to high-powered basketball. She has played professional basketball for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. "She's quite a speaker," said Walker. "She gave the kids quite a workout." With Domond and Walker the kids at the camp got a special treat to hear from two individuals who have been successful and want to share their success with others. That is what the camp was all about last week. "I really hope the kids enjoyed it," said Walker. "This is the second time we've held it and we had a big turnout." Walker said he plans to hold the camp again next year. -- delmarvanow.com
Ace Custis
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 217
High School: Northampton High School
College: Virginia Tech University
Ace Custis became the third men's basketball player to have his jersey retired when his career ended in 1997. Ace became the third player in Tech basketball to surpass the 1,000-mark in both points and rebounds during his career, finishing with 1,706 points and 1,777 rebounds. Custis was voted to the all-conference team in two different leagues during his time at Tech. He was All-Metro Conference as a sophomore and was also selected to the All-Atlantic 10 team during his junior and senior seasons. During his senior year, he was a finalist in voting for the Boost/Naismith Award for National Player of the Year. He also helped lead Virginia Tech to a NIT championship during his junior season in Blacksburg.
Ace has played professionally for Dallas in the NBA, Lebanon and in Japan. He is currently a member of the Panasonic Trians in the Japanese Men's Basketball League.
Andre Foreman
Height: 6'5"
High School: Stephen Decatur High School
College: Salisbury State University
Andre Foreman starred at Stephen Decatur High School before playing his college basketball at Salisbury State University. He completed his career as the All-time scoring leader in NCAA Division III history with 2,940 points. He also ranks first in Salisbury history in career rebounds (1,313), career steals (261), and career free throws made (592). He also owns the team scoring records for most points in a season (914) and most points in a game (52). Foreman was a Two Time All American, earning the honor during his junior and senior years. He was also the NCAA Division III Player of the Year in 1992. Upon completion of his college career, he had a 17 year career as a professional basketball player internationally in countries like Finland, Tokyo, and Mexico.
Foreman is currently a private basketball trainer for E-Train University. He is also the father of Landon Milbourne, a senior standout at the University of Maryland.
Craig Winder
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190
High School: Wicomico High School
College: Cecil College / University of Texas
After playing on an undefeated state championship team his senior year at Wicomico High School, Craig went on to star at Cecil College. He scored 1.138 career points and earned National Junior College Athletic Association Division II First-Team All-America honors in 2004-05. After Cecil College, he played at the University of Texas from 2005-2007 with players such as Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Daniel Gibson.
Craig Winder currently plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA Developmental League.
04/29 - Vipers crowned NBA D-League champions after Winder's buzzer beater
Andre Collins
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180
High School: Crisfield High School
College: University of Maryland / Loyola College
After being a prep All-American and graduating from Crisfield High School in 2000, Andre Collins played for one year at Hargrave Military Academy and averaged 15.6 points and 8.0 assists. After Hargrave, Andre played at the University of Maryland for 3 years before transferring to Loyola College and sitting out during the 2004-2005 season. While at the University of Maryland, Andre was part of the 2001-02 team that defeated Indiana University to win the National Championship. During his senior year at Loyola College, Andre went on to average 26.1 points and be named first team All-MAAC.
Andre Collins currently plays professional basketball overseas in Italy. He played the 2008-09 season for the Italian team Carife Ferrara.