When people think about college basketball, they often imagine the scholarship athletes—the stars whose names are in the media and whose jerseys are sold across campus. But as someone who spent four years as a walk-on at LSU, I can tell you that non-scholarship players play a crucial role in shaping a team’s culture, work ethic, and overall success. Being a walk-on isn’t just about earning a spot on the roster; it’s about embracing an opportunity to contribute in ways that go beyond statistics and highlight reels.

Earning Your Place

Walking on to a major SEC basketball program isn’t easy. You’re stepping into an environment where everyone is talented, competitive, and driven. For scholarship players, the expectation is high because of the investment the school has made in them. For walk-ons, the challenge is twofold: prove that you belong and do it without the security of a scholarship. Every practice, every drill, and every game presents a chance to demonstrate your commitment. And while I wasn’t always hitting the game-winning shot, I learned that showing up, working hard, and supporting my teammates mattered just as much as any stat line.

Building Team Culture

One of the biggest ways walk-ons impact a team is through culture. We’re often the glue players—the ones who push our teammates in practice, keep energy high, and set an example for work ethic. Because we’re not guaranteed playing time, we have to be ready for anything. That mindset spreads across the team, motivating scholarship players to stay sharp and humble. In my time at LSU, I found that walk-ons could hold teammates accountable in ways coaches sometimes can’t. We’re in the trenches with the team every day, fighting for every rep, and our perspective often reminds everyone that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, attitude, and effort.

Pushing Players to Their Limits

Walk-ons often play a critical role in practice, simulating opposing players, defending against starters, and helping refine strategies. Coaches rely on us to create competition in every drill. By giving the scholarship players someone to compete against every day, walk-ons elevate the level of play across the roster. Personally, I learned that being ready, alert, and relentless in practice prepared me to step up when the opportunity came. Even if you’re not on the floor during the game, your work behind the scenes helps build the teams success.

Leadership Without the Spotlight

Leadership doesn’t always come with recognition. Walk-ons have to lead by example—through consistency, attitude, and willingness to do the little things that matter. Whether it’s staying late after practice to shoot extra free throws, encouraging a teammate after a tough loss, or maintaining energy during long road trips, walk-ons help shape the team’s mentality. During my four years, I noticed that some of the team’s most resilient leaders weren’t the starters—they were the players who consistently put in effort, stayed humble, and focused on supporting others.

Opportunities for Growth

Being a walk-on teaches lessons that go far beyond basketball. You learn resilience, patience, and the value of preparation. You understand that impact isn’t always measured in statistics but in contributions that support the greater goal. This mindset has stayed with me and informs my goal of becoming a coach. I want to teach players that every role on a team is vital and that dedication, humility, and perseverance create winning programs. The walk-on experience gave me a unique perspective on player development and team dynamics, something that I believe will make me a better coach one day.

Changing Perceptions

Too often, walk-ons are underestimated. People assume that only scholarship athletes can lead, inspire, or make a difference. My experience proved otherwise. Walk-ons can challenge the status quo, drive competition, and strengthen team cohesion. We may not always be in the spotlight, but our impact is undeniable. For anyone considering walking on at a college program, know that it’s hard, but the experience is rewarding in ways you can’t always quantify. It’s an opportunity to grow, to contribute, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Conclusion

Being a walk-on at LSU was one of the most formative experiences of my life. It taught me the importance of perseverance, humility, and commitment. Walk-ons may not always grab headlines, but we shape team culture, push our teammates to be their best, and exemplify the grit and mindset that define successful programs. I’m proud to have been part of that journey, and I hope to carry the lessons I learned into my coaching career, showing future athletes that every role on a team matters and that the walk-on advantage is real—both on and off the court.