Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle praised Jarace Walker’s professionalism after Monday’s 112-111 road win vs. the Utah Jazz (9 points/3 rebounds/1 assist/zero turnovers/2 blocks/4-6 FG/1-3 FT).
(via Indiana Pacers):
“I’m impressed that he was in at 9:30 in the morning yesterday on an optional day when very few guys were in, and he busted his butt for about 45 minutes going hard, keeping himself ready to play, working out with Jim Boylen with the heavy ball, and all kinds of stuff. Tonight, I don’t think he got in until the second quarter, but he was ready. He played with presence. He played with force. Defensively, he made some really important plays. And he was fearless. I wish all top 10 picks in the NBA could learn about being a pro the way he’s learning about it and the way he’s adapting and the way he’s managing everything in his life to stay ready. His teammates trust him and the coaching staff trusts him. Trust is earned, and not given. I’ve got a lot of respect for that kid. From where he came from his first year, through the early parts of this year, to now: He’s a man.”
