In November 2007, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit and McFarland High School senior Riley Walker went down with a torn ACL, missing the rest of his senior season. Last week, John Parker talked with Walker about the injury, his love of his new school and his role next season.

POST: Let’s get this kicked off here. How do you describe yourself as a player?
Riley Walker: I bring intensity and finesse. I'm a hard-nosed player that plays bigger than I really am. I love getting in the paint and throwing bodies around, but am deadliest when I'm outside and get a jump shot or take them off the dribble. I’m always the guy that will pick up a player when they're down. I’ve got to see everybody having fun and still being competitive.

POST: What expectations do you have for yourself next season?
RW: Personally, I just want to help make a difference in the program. [Coach Rob] Jeter said I was the "missing piece to the puzzle," so I basically just want to come down there and do whatever it takes to help build an extremely competitive team.

POST: And how about for the program?
RW: I want to win! I’m not much for dedicating all my time and energy into practices and losing games. I’m going to do everything I can to win every time I step onto the court.

POST: Have you had any contact with other recruits?
RW: Yeah. I’ve been talking to [Ryan] Haggerty a lot, and now Tony [Meier] a little bit.

POST: How about any of the current players?
RW: I came to a lot of games this year and always talked to the players and they were friendly and outgoing. I can’t wait to get to be with them every day and get in that tight group.

POST: What made you decide to come to UWM?
RW: Everything about UWM made my decision a quick and easy one. I had quite a few different schools that were interested in me, but after coming to Milwaukee for my unofficial visit, getting my tour, meeting everyone, checking out the facilities and even getting to play with the team a little bit, it was clear to me that I belonged at UWM.

POST: Has there been any indication what your role will be this season?
RW: The coaches said they want me to be a 2, 3 or 4. Basically, depending on the lineup that’s in, I could be anywhere from helping bringing the ball up the court to banging down in the post. I think that’s what Jeter and the staff liked about me was that I’m versatile. They prefer me to be outside where I'll do the most damage, and then just go crash the boards and play defense.

POST: What was going through your mind when your ACL injury occurred?
RW: Oh man, the second it happened, I couldn’t believe how much pain I was in. I laid there trying to figure out how this could happen to me. I worked my butt off during the summer and fall getting prepared for the season to take my team all the way, and when I felt the snap I knew I was done. I laid in the trainer’s room and I just kept telling myself I had to respond to what happened in the best way possible, with a positive attitude. I know it sounds crazy to tell yourself to be positive knowing your senior season is over, but, it’s just high school basketball, is what I kept telling myself.

POST: What about in terms of your future, were you worried about your scholarship?
RW: Of course. The news traveled quickly to Jeter. I got a phone call at 2 a.m. showing concern, sympathy and support and telling me not to worry because they still wanted me. That was Grade-A classy! I didn’t sleep at all that night, but it made me feel a lot better getting that phone call. It just showed how classy he is and that I made the right decision in going to Milwaukee. In return for him offering me and sticking with his decision after my injury, I dedicated every day to rehab and working out so I can pay him back with a couple championships.

POST: A lot of people are concerned about you coming back from the injury. How is the rehabilitation going?
RW: They don’t have to worry. I’m not worried! It’s going well; I’m progressing quickly and working out twice a day to be at 120 percent by the start of the season. Everything's been going good so far and it can only get better.

POST: Have you considered using a redshirt next season?
RW: Yeah and it lasted about two seconds. I haven’t been busting my butt the past 12 years and especially the past five years to sit on the bench and watch our team play. I’m physically ready to play and once I get my knee cleared, I think I’m ready to compete in the Horizon League.

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