Wake Forest is 13-0 and ranked fourth in the country in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll, but according to freshman Demon Deacon and Wilmington local Ty Walker, “We’re not focussed on our record.  We’re focussed on the ACC; we’re 0-0 just like everybody else.”

Ty Walker has gone from New Hanover High School and the Mideastern Conference to Wake Forest and the ACC.  What’s it like getting ready for Carolina and a showdown of two top five teams nationally compared to preparing for Ashley, Laney or Hoggard?

You’d be surprised.  

“It’s been tough,” were his first words.  But Ty was talking academics.  

When asked about the transition, the first thing he mentioned was how he has had to step it up in the classroom, not the court.  ”They are strict about academics.  There are lots of papers to write.”

But it has been different on the court as well.  ”I was used to playing against guys 6′5″ or 6′6″, and now everyone is 6′10″ to 7′.  It’s been pushing me, but I can handle it.”

And of Sunday night’s clash with UNC?  ”They have a great program, but we have an equal shot of winning.”  Walker and former AAU teammate Ed Davis will be on opposite benches.  Davis is averaging close to eight points and eight boards during his freshman season so far for Carolina.

For our complete story on Ty Walker and what it takes for a kid from Wilmington to play Division I ball, check out the January issue of the Cape Fear Sports Report, out January 15.