Men’s Basketball John Walker Granted NCAA Waiver

Texas Southern University has announced that men’s basketball student-athlete John Walker has been granted a waiver by the NCAA and will be immediately eligible to compete for the Tigers during the 2019-20 season. Walker transferred from Texas A&M, where he averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 30 games. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining at TSU.

“Today I received the news that I had been granted my waiver to play this upcoming season. Thank you to all who helped in this process. Time to get to work,” said Walker regarding the NCAA’s decision.
 
A native of Houston, the 6-9 Walker was a three-star recruit by 247 Sports, Rivals, and Scout, and played his prep career at Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas, where he starred for head coach Gary Nichols and helped lead the Buffaloes to a runner-up showing during their first trip to the Class 5A UIL State Championship Tournament during the 2016-17 season.

“We are extremely excited that John has been granted a waiver and will be allowed to compete this upcoming season,” said TSU head coach, Johnny Jones. “We certainly appreciate everyone involved during this process and are grateful that the NCAA has come to this decision.”

Walker was named Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 5A Player of the Year after averaging 16 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 blocks as a senior. In addition to all-state accolades, he was also named as both an all-region and all-district performer. During play on the Adidas Gauntlet circuit, Walker turned heads as a member of Texas PRO. After he graduated high school, Walker held offers Texas A&M over Arizona State, Duquesne and West Virginia among others.

TSU’s season kicks off on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at San Diego State.