Senior writer Chris Harry's blog for FloridaGators.com.
Harry Fodder -- Walker Looks Ahead to his Next Chapter
Monday, March 28, 2016 | Men's Basketball, Chris Harry
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Junior swingman DeVon Walker is leaving UF as a grad-school transfer at the end of the semester.
By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — DeVon Walker missed the 2014-15 season when he blew out his knee during a summer workout three months after playing in the Final Four. The rehab and the recovery were incredibly difficult.
So was his 2015-16 comeback season.
"Part of it was trying to get back on my feet from the injury," Walker said Monday. "But part of it was me."
Walker, the 6-foot-6 guard/forward from Winter Haven, Fla., began his fourth-year junior season as a starter, but his playing time decreased as the games wore on. He eventually averaged just 1.6 points, 1.7 rebounds and 10.6 minutes per game.
After meeting with the Florida coaches Friday, Walker decided he'll transfer to another school at the end of the spring semester. A three-time selection to the All-Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, Walker is on schedule to graduate in April with a degree in criminology and thus will be eligible to play immediately next season as a graduate-school transfer.
"DeVon is a great kid and we appreciate all he has done for the Gators," Coach Mike White said. "Now, we'll help him any way we can."
Guard DeVon Walker drives the ball in UF's game at No. 1 Michigan State in December.
One of the most popular players on the team, Walker got off to a promising start in '15-16. After an intense sit-out year of rehab under the guidance of trainer David "Duke" Werner and strength/conditioning coordinator Preston Greene — "I can't put into words what those two did for me," Walker said — he started the season opener at Navy and scored a career-high 15 points three days later in the home opener against North Carolina A&T.
From there, though, his struggles began and his playing time diminished. Walker did not score a basket over his final 18 games and totaled just seven minutes in UF's five postseason games, including three DNPs.
"There were some lapses for me mentally, just trying to get back in the groove -- and when you're not playing that much it's hard to do. Those are things I battled," Walker said. "At the same time, I want to be a man about it. I have to take some responsibility and also take this year and what I experienced and use it to my benefit."
When Walker was on the floor, he was an energetic player who could more than hold his own on the defensive end. His career shooting numbers — 26.3 percent from the floor, 24.7 percent from the 3-point line — are out there for everyone to see, but so is tape from UF's incredible 2014 season.
During Florida's last eight regular-season games, Walker averaged 11.5 minutes per game and went 11-for-22 from the floor — all 3-pointers, including a pair in a huge comeback road win at Tennessee — and was a key role player as the Gators sprinted home to that historic 21-0 mark in SEC play.
DeVon Walker snips a piece of the net following 2014 NCAA South Regionl title game victory over Dayton.
He played in the Final Four and has the ring to prove it.
"That will be one of the many memories I'll take away from here," Walker said. "That season, with that team and those guys. I was a big part of it as a player. I'll remember that, no matter where I am."
Under NCAA rules, there are no restrictions as far as where Walker can transfer. In time, he likely will pursue law school.
But not until taking one more collegiate crack at he game he loves.
"I'm at peace with it," Walker said of his decision. "It's been a long four years. I've been through lot of things. I've started games, sat out games, won games, lost games and gone to a Final Four. I've been blessed to have been at the University of Florida, but I think next year will rejuvenate me and allow me to experience something new. I'm moving on to the next chapter."
