Crean Lands top 60 hoops commitment for 2019

By Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald

Georgia’s first commitment for its 2019 men’s basketball recruiting class is a top 60 national prospect with ties to the state.

Jaykwon Walton‍, who is considered a consensus top 60 player nationally, committed to coach Tom Crean and the Bulldogs, according to James Jackson, his coach at Carver High in Montgomery, Ala.

He transferred from Northside High in Columbus and is entering his third season at Carver.

Norton Hurd IV, director of Team Thad, confirmed the non-binding commitment first reported by recruiting analyst Evan Daniels of 247.

The 6-foot-6 ½, 195-pound Walton gives Georgia an active player who has shown an ability to score and shoot from long range and can move well without the ball. Assistant Chad Dollar was his lead recruiter for Georgia, Jackson said.

He averaged more than 19 points and about nine rebounds and six assists per game last season for a team that won a state championship.

“I think really gives you a look of that Penny Hardaway back in his time in that he can play any position, he can guard anybody from the post all the way to the point guard,” Jackson said Monday night. “A tremendous athlete, a great IQ for the game, just a tremendous kid that wants to get better and move on and do some positive things in life.”

Walton committed to Mississippi State earlier this month but backed off that pledge two days later. He also was pursued by Auburn, Alabama and Louisville.

“He’s from Georgia so it’s like a going home party,” Jackson said. “I think he’s really going to help Georgia reach some high goals.”