Lonnie Walker to Miami: Hurricanes Land 5-Star SG Prospect

The Miami Hurricanes made a major splash on the recruiting trail Wednesday when shooting guard Lonnie Walker joined their 2017 class.

Walker made the announcement official on Twitter and expressed his excitement to join the University of Miami:

ESPN's Jeff Goodman expressed surprise that The U was able to score such a major coup:

The 6'4", 175-pounder is a 5-star prospect, per Scout, and is the No. 23 overall player, the No. 3 shooting guard and the No. 1 shooting guard from the state of Pennsylvania.

Walker attracted the interest of some of the more local powerhouses, including Syracuse and Connecticut, as a recruit, but he also appealed to a number of national teams. He tweeted (h/t Mike Waters of Syracuse.com) in August that the Orange were among his final five alongside Kentucky, Villanova, Arizona and Miami.

There is a reason so many top-notch programs pursued Walker. The taller guard is aggressive as a slasher away from the ball and as a penetrator with the ball, and he has the strength to finish at the rim through contact. Scout said his overall jump shot is "still a tad streaky," but he "has very good shot mechanics, preparation and form."

Thanks to his ability to attack the basket and finish in the paint, defenders are often forced to play off him, which opens up more looks from the perimeter.

Scout also noted he has the length and athleticism to thrive as a perimeter defender who can get his hands in passing lanes and bother outside shooters. Walker has the skill set to be a two-way force at the next level, which is exactly what his new school will look for when he takes the court next season.

Miami is a program on the rise under head coach Jim Larranaga, as it has won at least 25 games in three of the past four seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 last season.

Landing a top prospect like Walker ensures the Hurricanes will remain big-time players in the ACC moving forward, and it could help push them into national title contention in the near future.