Samford grad transfer to visit UW

MADISON – Wisconsin’s search for a graduate transfer who can bolster the team’s frontcourt has led UW coach Greg Gard and his staff to the Southern Conference.

Wyatt Walker, a 6-foot-9, 240pound center-forward who started a total of 63 games in his first two seasons at Samford but was limited to two games last season because of a leg injury, is expected to visit UW next week.

Walker is expected to graduate this spring and will have two seasons of eligibility.

“If that were to come to fruition that would be a good pick-up for the Badgers,” said Wofford coach Mike Young, whose team faced Walker four times in the last two seasons. “I think it would be a great place for Wyatt.”

Walker was named to the Southern Conference all-freshman team after averaging 10.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

He recorded 17 double-doubles in 34 games and averaged 12.9 points and 9.7 rebounds as a sophomore and was a consensus thirdteam all-league pick.

Walker isn’t a three-point threat but in 68 college games has made 58.0% of his field-goal attempts and 73.9% of his freethrow attempts.

Walker is also an effective passer who averaged 1.5 assists per game as a sophomore.

“Really smart, really skilled,” Young said. “He is a good basketball player.”