NC State basketball adds grad transfer big man Wyatt Walker

N.C. State has a new big man.

Wyatt Walker, a 6-9 graduate transfer from Samford, announced on Twitter on Friday he would play for the Wolfpack next season. Walker missed all but two games last season with a leg injury and will have two years of eligibility with N.C. State.

As a sophomore in 2016-17, he led the Southern Conference in rebounding with 9.7 per game. He was also second on the Bulldogs with 12.9 points per game.

The Wolfpack needs frontcourt help with forward Omer Yurtseven’s decision to transfer to Georgetown and the loss of seniors Lennard Freeman and Malik Abu.

N.C. State coach Kevin Keatts mostly used a four-guard lineup last season. He could start Walker with guards Markell Johnson, C.J. Bryce, Devon Daniels and Torin Dorn next season. Sophomore Derek Funderburk and freshmen forwards Manny Bates and Ian Steere are also options in the post.

Walker, who is a good passer out of the post, was also recruited by Wisconsin and Oklahoma State. Keatts actually tried to recruit Walker, who is originally from Jacksonville, Fla., out of high school to UNC-Wilmington.

Walker was high school teammates at the Providence School with Duke star Grayson Allen. He averaged 10.6 points and 6.0 rebounds as a freshman for the Bulldogs in 2015-16.

Walker, who is on track to graduate from Samford next month, will fill the final scholarship spot on N.C. State’s roster for next season.

The Wolfpack went 21-12 last season and made the NCAA tournament. Keatts had success with a pair of graduate transfers, including the team’s leading scorer (Allerik Freeman).

This story was originally published April 27, 2018 at 4:31 PM with the headline "NC State basketball adds grad transfer big man Wyatt Walker."