Henry Walker (basketball)

William Henry Walker
Born	William Henry Walker (1987-10-09) October 9, 1987 Huntington, West Virginia, U.S.
Other names	Bill Walker
Occupation	Professional basketball player
Years active	2006–present
Known for	Playing in the NBA and international basketball leagues

William Henry Walker (born October 9, 1987) is an American professional basketball athlete currently playing for the Gladiadores de Anzoátegui in the Superliga Profesional de Baloncesto (SPB). Previously known as Bill Walker, this 6-foot-6-inch (1.98 m) player was drafted from Kansas State University by the Washington Wizards as the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft, before being immediately traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for cash considerations.

High school career

Walker was a three-year starting player at North College Hill High School in Ohio and was widely regarded as a Top 10 recruit nationally. He played alongside future NBA lottery selection O. J. Mayo. His high school honors include:

• 2006 Second-team Parade All-American
• 2006 USA Today All-USA High School Boys' Basketball All-Junior Team
• 2006 EA Sports High School Boys' Basketball First Team
• First Team All-State by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association
• First Team All-State by the Cincinnati Enquirer

In both 2005 and 2006, Walker led North College Hill to back-to-back Ohio Division III state championships, earning MVP recognition during the 2006 State Tournament. That year, his team achieved a number three ranking in the USA Today Super 25 High School poll, with Walker averaging 21.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest. He was also honored as USA Today National Player of the Week on March 27, 2006. Walker completed his high school education early in fall 2006 after using up his athletic eligibility.

On the international stage, Walker helped the USA White team achieve a perfect 5–0 record at the 2005 USA Youth Development Festival, playing alongside distinguished athletes such as Greg Oden and Darrell Arthur. Notably, he is the only player to be named MVP three times at the prestigious Reebok ABCD Camp held in Teaneck, New Jersey.

College career

After attracting recruitment interest from multiple NCAA programs including Cincinnati, Connecticut, Illinois, Syracuse, USC, and Texas, Walker enrolled part-time at Kansas State University, joining their basketball squad on December 16, 2006. In his first six games, he posted averages of 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds before suffering a torn ACL in his left knee on January 6, 2007, which prematurely ended his freshman season. This injury marked his second ACL tear, following surgery on his right knee in 2003.

During the 2007–08 season, Walker improved to averages of 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds across 31 games. On February 23, 2008, he matched his personal best by scoring 31 points against Baylor; together with teammate Michael Beasley, they combined for 75 of Kansas State’s total of 86 points. On April 14, 2008, both Walker and Beasley declared for the NBA draft, foregoing their remaining collegiate eligibility.

Boston Celtics (2008–2010)

Though initially projected as a possible lottery pick, Walker endured a third knee injury during a workout hosted by the Golden State Warriors on June 15, 2008. Despite this setback, he remained in the draft and was selected with the 47th pick overall by the Washington Wizards on June 26, 2008. Shortly thereafter, he was traded to the Boston Celtics for cash considerations after visiting their facilities earlier that month. A minor surgical procedure was anticipated in July that would require three to four weeks of recovery.

In November of that year, Walker was assigned to Boston’s NBA Development League team, the Utah Flash, before being recalled on January 8, 2009. On November 21, 2009, he was again sent to a D-League affiliate—the Maine Red Claws—and later recalled by the Celtics on December 23, 2009.

New York Knicks (2010–2012)

On February 18, 2010, Walker was traded to the New York Knicks along with J. R. Giddens, Eddie House, and a future conditional second-round draft selection in exchange for Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry. He was subsequently released by the Knicks on April 20, 2012.

Austin Toros (2013)

Walker signed with the Austin Toros on February 19, 2013, but was waived just over a month later on March 25. Shortly thereafter, on April 3, he was acquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce, although he did not participate in any games for the team.

Trotamundos de Carabobo (2013)

Expanding his international career, Walker joined Venezuelan team Trotamundos de Carabobo on May 20, 2013.

Sioux Falls Skyforce (2013–2014)

Returning to the NBA Development League, Walker re-signed with the Sioux Falls Skyforce on October 31, 2013.

Alaska Aces (2014)

In April 2014, Walker brought his NBA experience to the Philippine Basketball Association by signing with the Alaska Aces for the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Second stint with Sioux Falls Skyforce (2014–2015)

Walker was reacquired by the Sioux Falls Skyforce on November 3, 2014, marking another chapter with the team.

Miami Heat (2015)

On February 21, 2015, Walker inked a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat. In his debut appearance, he tallied 11 points, including three successful three-pointers out of four attempts, contributing to a 119–108 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He secured a second 10-day contract on March 3 and subsequently signed for the remainder of the season on March 13. The Heat waived him on July 27, 2015.

Cedevita Zagreb (2015–2016)

Walker signed with Croatian club Cedevita Zagreb on November 7, 2015, committing for the rest of that season.

NLEX Road Warriors (2016)

On June 8, 2016, Walker joined the NLEX Road Warriors as their import player for the Philippine Basketball Association’s 2016 Governors' Cup.

Third stint with Sioux Falls Skyforce (2016–2017)

The Sioux Falls Skyforce reacquired Walker on November 16 as he continued competing in the NBA Development League.

Galatasaray (2018)

Walker signed with Turkish club Galatasaray on January 2, 2018.

Defensor Sporting (2018)

On March 30, 2018, Walker entered the Uruguayan basketball scene by signing with Defensor Sporting.

Second stint with Blackwater Elite (2018)

Returning to Blackwater Elite on May 21, 2018, Walker participated in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup, filling in for Jarrid Famous. Over five games, he averaged 13 points, 10.2 rebounds, and recorded an average of 0.6 blocks per contest.

Shiga Lakestars (2019–2021)

Expanding his footprint in Asia’s basketball circuit, Walker joined Japan’s Shiga Lakestars of the B.League on February 11, 2019.

Club La Cancha (2021)

Walker signed with Club La Cancha on October 22, 2021.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2021–2022)

In November of 2021, he committed to playing with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Regular season

|- | align="left" | | align="left" | Boston | 29 || 0 || 7.4 || .621 || .000 || .696 || 1.0 || .4 || .2 || .1 || 3.0 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Boston | 8 || 0 || 3.6 || .500 || .000 || 1.000 || .6 || .4 || .0 || .0 || 1.0 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | New York | 27 || 13 || 27.4 || .518 || .431 || .787 || 3.1 || 1.4 || .9 || .1 || 11.9 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | New York | 61 || 1 || 12.9 || .441 || .386 || .705 || 2.0 || .6 || .3 || .1 || 4.9 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | New York | 32 || 8 || 19.4 || .398 || .319 || .850 || 2.5 || 1.2 || .6 || .2 || 5.9 |- | align="left" | | align="left" | Miami | 24 || 13 || 26.2 || .345 || .341 || .778 || 3.4 || 1.2 || 1.0 || .4 || 7.3 |- | align="left" | Career | align="left" | | 181 || 35 || 16.7 || .446 || .369 || .760 || 2.2 || .8 || .5 || .1 || 6.0

Playoffs

|- | align="left" | 2009 | align="left" | Boston | 4 || 0 || 2.5|| .000|| .000|| 1.000|| .0|| .0|| .5|| .0|| .5 |- | align="left" | 2011 | align="left" | New York | 4|| 0|| 22.3|| .300|| .273|| .667|| 3.3|| 1.0|| 1.3|| .0|| 5.8 |- | align="left" | Career | align="left" | | 8|| 0|| 12.4|| .281|| .273|| .800|| 1.6|| .5|| .9|| .0|| 3.1

Personal life

For the majority of his life, he was known as Bill, but starting in January 2014, he adopted his middle name, Henry, for personal use.

See also

• 2006 high school boys basketball All-Americans

External links

• Bill Walker Player Info @ DraftExpress.com
• Bill Walker – Kansas State Player Bio
• Bill Walker Draft 2008 Profile @ NBA.com