What I like
Improvement - Agree with Brooklyn on his YOY improvement. I too was skeptical after his freshman year. Seemed from interviews he was a smart hard working guy that was content to put the work in and wait his turn. And that may be the case. But his play was improved, he was aggressive and for the most part made the most of his minutes.
Toughness, Rebounding - I thought he really provided a physical presence on the court - one that Quinn lacked a bit. Also had a little edginess to his game - and let the other big guys playing against know he was not backing down.
Offense - Yes, there were times that he did not look at the basket, BUT I thought he was much more opportune than Quinn as far as catching the ball and surveying the landscape as opposed to just looking for the next perimeter pass or hand off. He showed some ability to hit 3's though his percentage was not great - I felt like early in the season it was pretty good then lost confidence a bit. I am like some others I don't generally want him looking for the 3 but if left wide open he seems to have the ability. Though not exactly polished with post moves - I did think that again showed great improvement when he got the ball in the post making a decisive move or a quick decision to take what the defense gave him. Also liked his ability to take and make the wide open 15 footer at the foul line, with good form and a normal shot. Not trying to bang on Quinn, but he would look and look and then dribble and do the flip shot. I know metrics hates the mid range - but just like with Cayo, if they are going to leave you wide open from 12-15 that should be a high percentage shot and I think Walz agrees and will take advantage.
Rebounding - solid rebounder, not afraid to use his body and athleticism.
Defense - Good effort, I was going to say he was foul prone - but looking at his stats per 40 minutes - averages 4 fouls per - so not bad for his level of physicality. I think opposing big man knows he will be in for a physical battle going against Walz.
Areas for improvement
Passing - I think sees the court really well and is a willing and able passer, and did have a positive ASS/TO ratio. He does tend to let one bad pass affect his outlook, but overall I think we will see even more ability next season with the experience gained this season.
FT shooting - 54% not good obviously. But only 1 FT attempt per game - which is hard to get any rhythm. So would like to see him use some moves to draw fouls down low, and shoot at a 75% clip. I think he has the form and touch to do so, just needs more attempts and a little more confidence.
Low post moves - Again, I liked his decisiveness and aggression. Would like to see develop a signature move and counter as a go to. This would also tie into getting to the FT line more.
Mentality - First off, overall I like his edge, his aggression, and joy he plays with. He does get a little down or flustered when he makes a mistake and it impacts his next play. Would like to see him clean that up and keep his head in the game if he makes a mistake.
Outlook
I think future is bright for Walz next two seasons. As widely discussed it will be very interesting to see how he is used in tandem with Beagle. I do think Walz has earned trust with Mooney, and has very good experience and minutes last season - which should serve him well running the offense this year. Seems to be a split on the board whether Walz will be starter or back up - I am leaning to starter, but think it will be a pretty even split unless Beagle really outplays him. I want to see Walz take the next step. If he does he can be one of the best big men in the league. I think he has the tools just needs to come in a take control and keep a good mind set all game long.
Improvement - Agree with Brooklyn on his YOY improvement. I too was skeptical after his freshman year. Seemed from interviews he was a smart hard working guy that was content to put the work in and wait his turn. And that may be the case. But his play was improved, he was aggressive and for the most part made the most of his minutes.
Toughness, Rebounding - I thought he really provided a physical presence on the court - one that Quinn lacked a bit. Also had a little edginess to his game - and let the other big guys playing against know he was not backing down.
Offense - Yes, there were times that he did not look at the basket, BUT I thought he was much more opportune than Quinn as far as catching the ball and surveying the landscape as opposed to just looking for the next perimeter pass or hand off. He showed some ability to hit 3's though his percentage was not great - I felt like early in the season it was pretty good then lost confidence a bit. I am like some others I don't generally want him looking for the 3 but if left wide open he seems to have the ability. Though not exactly polished with post moves - I did think that again showed great improvement when he got the ball in the post making a decisive move or a quick decision to take what the defense gave him. Also liked his ability to take and make the wide open 15 footer at the foul line, with good form and a normal shot. Not trying to bang on Quinn, but he would look and look and then dribble and do the flip shot. I know metrics hates the mid range - but just like with Cayo, if they are going to leave you wide open from 12-15 that should be a high percentage shot and I think Walz agrees and will take advantage.
Rebounding - solid rebounder, not afraid to use his body and athleticism.
Defense - Good effort, I was going to say he was foul prone - but looking at his stats per 40 minutes - averages 4 fouls per - so not bad for his level of physicality. I think opposing big man knows he will be in for a physical battle going against Walz.
Areas for improvement
Passing - I think sees the court really well and is a willing and able passer, and did have a positive ASS/TO ratio. He does tend to let one bad pass affect his outlook, but overall I think we will see even more ability next season with the experience gained this season.
FT shooting - 54% not good obviously. But only 1 FT attempt per game - which is hard to get any rhythm. So would like to see him use some moves to draw fouls down low, and shoot at a 75% clip. I think he has the form and touch to do so, just needs more attempts and a little more confidence.
Low post moves - Again, I liked his decisiveness and aggression. Would like to see develop a signature move and counter as a go to. This would also tie into getting to the FT line more.
Mentality - First off, overall I like his edge, his aggression, and joy he plays with. He does get a little down or flustered when he makes a mistake and it impacts his next play. Would like to see him clean that up and keep his head in the game if he makes a mistake.
Outlook
I think future is bright for Walz next two seasons. As widely discussed it will be very interesting to see how he is used in tandem with Beagle. I do think Walz has earned trust with Mooney, and has very good experience and minutes last season - which should serve him well running the offense this year. Seems to be a split on the board whether Walz will be starter or back up - I am leaning to starter, but think it will be a pretty even split unless Beagle really outplays him. I want to see Walz take the next step. If he does he can be one of the best big men in the league. I think he has the tools just needs to come in a take control and keep a good mind set all game long.