{"id":787452,"date":"2018-09-04T13:18:53","date_gmt":"2018-09-04T17:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=787452"},"modified":"2018-09-04T13:18:53","modified_gmt":"2018-09-04T17:18:53","slug":"meet-the-19-year-old-rookie-whos-hooping-in-pharrells-giving-back-to-his-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/meet-the-19-year-old-rookie-whos-hooping-in-pharrells-giving-back-to-his-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the 19-Year Old Rookie Who’s Hooping in Pharrells & Giving Back to His Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

It only takes a few minutes of speaking with Lonnie Walker IV<\/strong> to understand why the San Antonio Spurs didn\u2019t hesitate to select him when he was still on the board at No. 18. SLAM Magazine<\/em> recently dubbed Walker as \u201cThe World\u2019s Most Interesting Rookie.\u201d \u00a0He can speak thoughtfully equally on topics such as religion, world news and pop culture just as easy as he can talk hoops.<\/p>\n

With an inquisitive nature and strong opinions on various worldly affairs, it\u2019s easy to see why the 19-year-old has already developed a quick bond with coach Greg Popovich. While too young to indulge in any of his coach’s private label pinot noir, Walker is excited to have the opportunity to not only play for an organization that is the model to many in the NBA, but also arguably the league\u2019s best coach.<\/p>\n

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photo via Bleacher Report<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Along with his on-court talents, Walker has a strong desire to reach back to the youth of his hometown of Reading, PA. It’s traits like this that made it an easy decision for adidas to make him one of only two signings — Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young being the other — in this year’s NBA Draft class.\u00a0\u201cLonnie is a true original,” says agent George Langberg of Catalyst Sports & Media. “His charisma off the court combined with his electrifying play set him apart. Lonnie and adidas are a natural fit.\u201d<\/p>\n

We spoke with the Spurs rookie to hear how he\u2019s adjusting to NBA life, his deal with adidas and what his personal goals are this season.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: How hectic have things been for you since being drafted?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lonnie Walker IV<\/strong>: It\u2019s definitely a very quick transition because you\u2019re talking about going to school for 19 years of your life, waking up at 8 AM, going to class, going to work out and it\u2019s always been academics and basketball. Now, you have an immediate transition on strictly playing basketball and having some freedom here and there. It\u2019s been pretty great and now transitioning into NBA life and living how most NBA players live, it\u2019s ridiculous, honestly.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: You were able to get your feet wet some during Summer League. How would you grade your performance and what was it like to finally get a small taste of what\u2019s to come?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lonnie Walker IV<\/strong>: It was great just to get a first look at just how the NBA style is \u2013 the physicality, intensity and conditioning. Once I caught my rhythm, the game became a lot easier. I had a great time. I met a couple of teammates, played with two of them and it went well.<\/p>\n