While some college athletes use their name, image and likeness windfalls on luxury items, University of Houston forward Ramon Walker Jr. is channeling his earnings into something else entirely: real estate.
Thinking Ahead
Walker, a senior, has begun investing his NIL money with an eye toward becoming a developer, a path he says was shaped in part by guidance from his father.
“My dad always told me… when you have money, you have to let your money make you more money,” Walker told PaperCity. “The NIL landscape is crazy now. It’s a huge influx of money. So I’m just trying to do the right things with it to set myself up for later in life.”
Known for his energy and toughness on the court, Walker says he’s never been drawn to the material perks that have defined some NIL stories. “I don’t wear jewelry,” he said. “And my car is a 2015. I’m good on that.”
Instead, Walker spends time talking with assistant coach Kellen Sampson about potential properties, learning how to evaluate deals and build a portfolio, conversations far from typical in college basketball.
“One of the best parts about NIL is these guys are able to explore some real interests… opportunities for them to explore who they are outside of being just a basketball player,” Sampson told PaperCity. He said he expects the city of Houston to support Walker “in his next chapter.”
Walker said he hopes that future includes helping shape the city where he grew up. Coaching is another possibility he’s considering, encouraged by teammates and staff who believe he could thrive in the profession.
His decision to return to UH for a fifth year which was made possible through a medical hardship waiver — came despite opportunities to transfer for a larger role elsewhere. Sampson said Walker’s loyalty has been unwavering.
“He hasn’t chosen Houston once,” Sampson said. “He chose Houston five times… He has an awesome love affair with our program, and I think he has an awesome love affair with his city.”
Walker remains a dependable option off the bench for the eighth-ranked Cougars (7-1). He delivered nine points, four rebounds, two assists and a block during a season-high 24 minutes in Las Vegas, helping UH pull away from Notre Dame in its third game in three days.
“Ramon’s a tough guy,” head coach Kelvin Sampson said. “He’s had a ton of injuries, but he’s still standing.”
As he continues to contribute on the court, Walker is laying groundwork for a post-basketball career. He has been exploring commercial real estate in particular, noting that demand for office space is rebounding.
“Now people want to get back into office spaces and get back into the daily vibes of going to work,” he said. “I feel like that’s an area that’s really going to be booming. It’s a great city for it.”
For Walker, the NIL era has offered more than financial freedom, it has provided a head start on a future he hopes will keep him rooted in Houston.
