No matter how many times one sees the “before/after” photos, it’s never gets old.
One of the biggest topics of conversation about Gopher basketball during the offseason was the incredible transformation of Gophers junior big man Mo Walker. Walker excited fans as a freshman early in his career, but injuries and weight gain contributed to his minutes decreasing and his role lessening. But a new coaching staff with an extra emphasis on conditioning combined with a great work ethic and new outlook from Walker, transformed the Canadian’s body and likely contribution.
GopherHole’s Nadine Babu caught up with Walker to learn more about the changes that led to his offseason work, his thoughts on the season and more.
GopherHole: How much weight have you lost?
Mo Walker: I’ve lost 60 pounds.
GopherHole: How did you do that? I know you said there were no tricks involved.
Mo Walker: Just gotta eat right, stay disciplined, cut the sancking, eat healthy foods, and workout.
GopherHole: So what do you eat during the day?
Mo Walker: Now with the season going I am back to my regular diet, eating an extra breakfast, omelet or something. A good lunch, with a salad and at dinner a chicken or steak with some vegetables.
GopherHole: What was the biggest change?
Mo Walker: During the summer I was working out sometimes three times a day. I would do cardio in the morning, lift in the afternoon and some sort of workout in the evening. Now we do workouts and lifting.
GopherHole: With the past coaching staff, did they ask you to lose weight?
Mo Walker: They had a little pressure, but I feel a lot more pressure to be in shape with this staff. In the offseason this was my only goal.
GopherHole: How has your new weight changed your game?
Mo Walker: I’m better moving up and down the court, better athletically. I am jumping up and down more, I can play for longer stretches now.
GopherHole: What do you think the biggest difference is with the new coaches?
Mo Walker: Both staffs are great. Coach Smith gave me the opportunity to be here and I appreciate that. Coach Pitino, he really pushes us and wants to make us the best players we can be.
GopherHole: Who will surprise fans this year?
Mo Walker: I think DeAndre Mathieu, he’s really quick, great at finding teammates and finishing.