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Henry Walker (basketball)

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Henry Walker
No. 5 – Gladiadores de Anzoátegui
PositionSmall forward / shooting guard
LeagueSPB
Personal information
Born (1987-10-09) October 9, 1987 (age 36)
Huntington, West Virginia, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
High schoolRose Hill Christian
(Ashland, Kentucky)
North College Hill
(North College Hill, Ohio)
CollegeKansas State (2006–2008)
NBA draft2008: 2nd round, 47th overall pick
Selected by the Washington Wizards
Playing career2008–present
Career history
2008–2010Boston Celtics
2008–2009→Utah Flash
2009→Maine Red Claws
2010–2012New York Knicks
2013Austin Toros
2013Trotamundos de Carabobo
2013–2014Sioux Falls Skyforce
2014Alaska Aces
2014–2015Sioux Falls Skyforce
2015Miami Heat
2015–2016Cedevita
2016NLEX Road Warriors
2016–2017Sioux Falls Skyforce
2017Blackwater Elite
2018Galatasaray
2018Defensor Sporting
2018Blackwater Elite
2019–2020Shiga Lakestars
2021Club La Cancha
2021–2022Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
2023–presentGladiadores de Anzoátegui
Career highlights and awards
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

William Henry Walker (born October 9, 1987) is an American professional basketball player for Gladiadores de Anzoátegui of the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto (SPB). Previously known as Bill Walker,[1] the 6-foot-6-inch-tall (1.98 m) player was selected out of Kansas State University by the Washington Wizards with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft and traded shortly thereafter to the Boston Celtics in exchange for cash considerations.

High school career

[edit]

Walker was a three-year starter at North College Hill High School in North College Hill, Ohio, where he was a consensus Top 10 high school recruit[2] and a teammate of future NBA lottery pick O. J. Mayo. His achievements include:

As a sophomore and junior in 2005 and 2006, Walker helped North College Hill to back-to-back Ohio Division III state titles and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2006 State Tournament. In 2006, North College Hill finished third in the USA Today Super 25 High School rankings,[6] with Walker averaging 21.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He was selected the USA Today National Player of the Week on March 27, 2006. In the fall of 2006, Walker graduated early after it was ruled that he had used all of his high school athletics eligibility the previous year.[7]

Walker also helped the USA White team to a 5–0 record at the 2005 USA Youth Development Festival in San Diego, California, where he played alongside Ohio State freshman Greg Oden and Kansas freshman Darrell Arthur. He was the only three-time Most Valuable Player at the Reebok ABCD Camp in Teaneck, New Jersey.

College career

[edit]

After receiving interest from many NCAA teams, including Cincinnati, Connecticut, Illinois, Syracuse, Southern California and Texas, Walker enrolled at Kansas State University as a part-time student in order to be eligible to play on December 16, 2006, the start of the second semester.[4] He had an immediate impact on the team, averaging 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in his first six games. However, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee early in a game against Texas A&M on January 6, 2007, which required surgery and abruptly ended his freshman season.[8] This was the second time he suffered this type of injury, going through surgery and rehab in his right knee in 2003.[8]

In the 2007–08 season, Walker averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 31 games. He tied his career-high with 31 points in a 92–86 loss at Baylor on February 23, 2008, and combined with teammate Michael Beasley to score 75 of the Wildcats' 86 points in that game. On April 14, 2008, Walker announced along with Beasley that he would enter the 2008 NBA draft and thus forgo his last three years of eligibility.[9]

Professional career

[edit]

Boston Celtics (2008–2010)

[edit]

Many considered Walker a lottery pick,[10] but he suffered the third knee injury in his career during a workout[11] at the Golden State Warriors facility on June 15, 2008.[12] He remained in the draft despite the injury,[13] and was selected on June 26, 2008 by the Washington Wizards with the 47th overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, but was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics for cash considerations after visiting the Celtics three days earlier.[14] He was expected to have minor surgery in July that would keep him out for three to four weeks.[15][16]

In November 2008, Walker was sent to the Celtics' NBA Development League affiliate, the Utah Flash,[17] and was recalled on January 8, 2009.[18] On November 21, 2009, the Celtics assigned Walker to the Maine Red Claws in the NBA Development League.[19] On December 23, 2009, Walker was recalled from the Red Claws by the Celtics.[20]

New York Knicks (2010–2012)

[edit]

On February 18, 2010, Walker, along with J. R. Giddens, Eddie House and a future conditional second round draft pick, was traded to the Knicks for Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry.[21]

Walker was released by the Knicks on April 20, 2012.[22]

Austin Toros (2013)

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On February 19, 2013, Walker was acquired by the Austin Toros.[23] On March 25, he was waived by the Toros. On April 3, he was acquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[23] However, he never played a game for Sioux Falls.

Trotamundos de Carabobo (2013)

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On May 20, 2013, Walker signed with Trotamundos de Carabobo of Venezuela.[24]

Sioux Falls Skyforce (2013–2014)

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On October 31, 2013, Walker was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[25]

Alaska Aces (2014)

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In April 2014, he signed with the Alaska Aces for the 2014 Governors’ Cup.[26]

Second stint with Sioux Falls Skyforce (2014–2015)

[edit]

On November 3, 2014, Walker was again reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[27]

Miami Heat (2015)

[edit]

On February 21, 2015, he signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat.[28] In his first game with the Heat, Walker recorded 11 points, and made 3 out of his 4 3-pointers in a 119-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He then signed a second 10-day contract with the Heat on March 3,[29] and for the rest of the season on March 13.[30] On July 27, 2015, Walker was waived by the Heat.[31]

Cedevita Zagreb (2015–2016)

[edit]

On November 7, 2015, Walker signed with the Croatian club Cedevita Zagreb for the rest of the season.[32]

NLEX Road Warriors (2016)

[edit]

On June 8, 2016, Walker signed with the NLEX Road Warriors of the Philippine Basketball Association as the team's import for the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup.[33]

Third stint with Sioux Falls Skyforce (2016–2017)

[edit]

On November 16, Walker was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.[34]

Galatasaray (2018)

[edit]

On January 2, 2018, Walker signed with Turkish club Galatasaray.[35]

Defensor Sporting (2018)

[edit]

On March 30, 2018, Walker was reported to have signed with Defensor Sporting.[36][37]

Second stint with Blackwater Elite (2018)

[edit]

On May 21, 2018, Walker signed again with the Blackwater Elite for the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup as a replacement for Jarrid Famous.[38] He only just appeared in 5 games with the Elite in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup. In those 5 games, he averaged 13 points per game, 10.2 rebounds per game and .6 blocks per game.[39]

Shiga Lakestars (2019–2021)

[edit]

On February 11, 2019, he signed with the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B.League.[40]

Club La Cancha (2021)

[edit]

On October 22, 2021, he signed with Club La Cancha.[41]

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2021–2022)

[edit]

In November 2021, Walker signed with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of the Philippine Basketball Association.[42]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2008–09 Boston 29 0 7.4 .621 .000 .696 1.0 .4 .2 .1 3.0
2009–10 Boston 8 0 3.6 .500 .000 1.000 .6 .4 .0 .0 1.0
2009–10 New York 27 13 27.4 .518 .431 .787 3.1 1.4 .9 .1 11.9
2010–11 New York 61 1 12.9 .441 .386 .705 2.0 .6 .3 .1 4.9
2011–12 New York 32 8 19.4 .398 .319 .850 2.5 1.2 .6 .2 5.9
2014–15 Miami 24 13 26.2 .345 .341 .778 3.4 1.2 1.0 .4 7.3
Career 181 35 16.7 .446 .369 .760 2.2 .8 .5 .1 6.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009 Boston 4 0 2.5 .000 .000 1.000 .0 .0 .5 .0 .5
2011 New York 4 0 22.3 .300 .273 .667 3.3 1.0 1.3 .0 5.8
Career 8 0 12.4 .281 .273 .800 1.6 .5 .9 .0 3.1

Personal life

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Having been known as Bill for most of his life, in January 2014, Walker began going by his middle name, Henry.[43]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "NBA.com – Bill Walker Draft 2008 Profile". NBA.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2009. Retrieved November 3, 2008.
  2. ^ "ScoutHoops.com - 2007 College Basketball Recruiting". Scout.com. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  3. ^ "PARADE Magazine – All-America Teams". Parade.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c d "Breaking news: Walker eligible to compete for K-State mid-year". KStateCollegian.com. November 3, 2006. Archived from the original on May 13, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2006.
  5. ^ "2006 EA SPORTS Boys All American Team". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 10, 2006.
  6. ^ Lawlor, Christopher (March 27, 2006). "Final Super 25 boys' basketball rankings". USAToday.com. Retrieved March 27, 2006.
  7. ^ "Ohio rules prep hoops standout Bill Walker ineligible". USAToday.com. July 10, 2006. Retrieved July 10, 2006.
  8. ^ a b Katz, Andy (January 9, 2007). "Walker's season comes to an end with ruptured ACL". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 9, 2007.
  9. ^ Richman, Howard (April 14, 2008). "Beasley, Walker declare for NBA draft". KansasCity.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved April 14, 2008.
  10. ^ Murphy, Mark (June 27, 2008). "Danny Ainge again busy late". BostonHerald.com. Archived from the original on February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  11. ^ sportinggoodsinfo.com, Sandra Johnson (March 2017). "Individual Basketball Workout Routines To Dominate The Court". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  12. ^ Parrish, Garry (June 16, 2008). "K-State's Walker injures knee in draft workout". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  13. ^ "Walker stays in draft, despite knee; UCLA's Mbah a Moute, too". ESPN.com. June 16, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  14. ^ Benbow, Julian (June 27, 2008). "Taking a shot with J.R." Boston.com. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  15. ^ Spears, Marc J. (June 29, 2008). "His next stop, Brooklyn". Boston.com. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
  16. ^ Spears, Marc J. (July 1, 2008). "Walker to have surgery". Boston.com. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
  17. ^ "Walker sent to D-league". Boston.com. November 21, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  18. ^ "Celtics Recall Giddens, Walker from Utah Flash". OurSportsCentral.com. January 8, 2009. Retrieved January 8, 2009.
  19. ^ "Celtic Bill Walker Assigned to D-League". CTNews.com. November 21, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
  20. ^ "Celts recall Walker from Maine". BangorDailyNews.com. December 24, 2009. Retrieved December 24, 2009.
  21. ^ "Knicks Acquire Eddie House, J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker". NBA.com. February 18, 2010. Archived from the original on February 21, 2010. Retrieved February 19, 2010.
  22. ^ "Amare back, Gadzuric added". ESPN.com. April 20, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  23. ^ a b "2012-13 Transactions". NBA.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  24. ^ "Trotamundos de Carabobo sign Bill Walker, Summers". Sportando.net. May 20, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  25. ^ "Skyforce Announces Initial 2013-14 Training Camp Invitees". NBA.com. October 31, 2013. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  26. ^ "After falling short of repeat, Alaska to tap NBA vet Bill Walker for Governors' Cup". Interaksyon.com. April 27, 2014. Archived from the original on April 27, 2014. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  27. ^ "Skyforce Announces Full Training Camp Roster". OurSportsCentral.com. November 3, 2014. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
  28. ^ "HEAT Signs Henry Walker". NBA.com. February 21, 2015. Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  29. ^ "HEAT Signs Henry Walker". NBA.com. March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  30. ^ "HEAT Signs Henry Walker for Season". NBA.com. March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  31. ^ "HEAT Waive Henry Walker". NBA.com. July 27, 2015. Retrieved July 27, 2015.
  32. ^ "NBA forward Henry Walker is coming to Cedevita". Aba-liga.com. November 7, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2015.
  33. ^ Giongco, Mark (June 9, 2016). "NLEX taps Bill Walker, Rodrigue Akl as imports". Sports-Inquirer.net. Retrieved June 17, 2016.
  34. ^ Dykstra, Matt (November 16, 2016). "SKYFORCE ACQUIRE HENRY WALKER". NBA.com. Retrieved December 5, 2016.[permanent dead link]
  35. ^ "Henry Walker Galatasaray Odeabank'ta". Galatasaray.org (in Turkish). January 2, 2018. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  36. ^ "Henry Walker será nuevo jugador del decano". defensorsporting.com.uy (in Spanish). Defensor Sporting Club. March 30, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  37. ^ "Henry Walker signs with Defensor Montevideo The club's president announced the signing of the former NBA player". Sportando.basketball. March 30, 2018. Retrieved March 30, 2018.[permanent dead link]
  38. ^ Ramos, Gerry (May 21, 2018). "Blackwater bringing back Henry Walker for Jarrid Famous as Elite prime up for season-ending conference".
  39. ^ 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup League Leaders
  40. ^ "#5 ヘンリー・ウォーカー選手 契約(新規)基本合意のお知らせ | 滋賀レイクスターズ". Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  41. ^ "Club La Cancha inks Henry Walker". Sportando. October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  42. ^ "TNT, Meralco, 3 others to introduce new imports". pba.ph. November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  43. ^ "The Story Behind Henry (Formerly Bill) Walker's Name Change". DLeagueDigest.com. January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
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