Men's Basketball

William Walker, the reigning NAIA DII National Player of the Year, has signed his first professional contract. The former Bethel College Pilot has agreed to terms with the Sodertalje Kings in Swedish Basketball League. The team is located in Sodertalje, Sweden, and won the league championship in 2004-05.

 

“Explaining how I feel that I finally made it to the professional level is impossible,” explained Walker. “As a kid, all hoopers want to call themselves professional athletes and that’s a goal that I have accomplished. Now it's time to re-evaluate and set new ones.  I'm very excited about it and once again rejuvenated for the game of basketball.  God works in mysterious ways... as soon I was starting to feel down and frustrated about the situation [of not finding a team], he sent a team along.”

 

“We are excited for William Walker,” said Bethel head coach Mike Lightfoot. “He has had a great summer playing against NBA players and he is ready to step into the level of professional basketball.

 

Walker, a 6-6 forward from Michigan City, Indiana, was a four-year starter for the Pilots. He led the Pilots in scoring in three of his four seasons and in rebounding all four years. He is one of three Pilots in the history of the program to score 2,000 career points, collect 1,000 career rebounds, and block 100 career shots.

 

Last season, Walker averaged 20.2 points and 9.2 rebounds a game and led the Pilots to a 33-4 record and their fifth Final Four in program history. He earned NAIA DII National Player of the Year and MCC Conference Player of the Year honors.

 

In March, Walker’s #33 jersey was retired by the Bethel men’s basketball program, joining four others in having that distinction. For his career, Walker played in 134 games and started 122 games. He scored 2,427 points (4th all-time, 18.1 per game), pulled down 1,234 rebounds (5th all-time, 9.2 per game), dished out 318 assists (2.4 per game), blocked 145 shots (3rd all-time, 1.1 per game), and swiped 170 steals (1.3 per game).

 

“I can't say enough about what my Bethel Basketball family has done for me over the years,” said Walker. “They've helped me grow in all aspects of life, taught me to be a leader (as well as a follower), taught me self-control, and showed me that I can always be pushed to another level.  That’s just a couple things that Bethel has done for me.  I will never forget my coaches, my managers, the fans, and my brothers (teammates).  I love them and they will always be with me.”

 

Walker accumulated a laundry list of accolades during his time at Bethel including: 2009 NAIA Player of the Year; NCCAA Player of the Year; MCC Player of the Year; 2009 NAIA First Team All-American; 2009 NCCAA First Team All-American; 2009 MCC First Team All-Conference; 2009 NAIA All-Tournament Team; 2009 Team MVP; 2008 NAIA Second Team All-American; 2008 NAIA First Team All-American; 2008 MCC First Team All-Conference; 2008 Team MVP; 2007 NAIA Honorable Mention All-American; 2007 NCCAA Second Team All-American; 2007 MCC First Team All-Conference; 2007 NCCAA Tournament MVP; 2007 Team MVP; 2006 MCC Honorable Mention All-Conference; and 2006 MCC All-Newcomer Team.

 

“Now he will begin a new chapter in his life,” added Lightfoot. “Through his desire to improve as a player, I know he will continue to improve as a professional. The sky is the limit and I am so happy for him. The sky is the limit and I am so happy for him. We have many great connections and contacts for players who want to continue playing professionally and William is another example of this.”

 

The Sodertalje Kings play 40 games, beginning October 2. However, Walker will not join the team until October 21. You can follow Walker’s progress and learn more about the Sodertalje Kings and the Swedish Basketball League by clicking on the following link: www.eurobasket.com/team.asp