Sam Walters, a forward who helped Alabama reach the 2023 Final Four, is set to continue his college career at Troy University. The move comes after a stint that included a season at Michigan and a year at Southern Methodist University, where he honed his game before arriving in Tuscaloosa.
A Fresh Start in Troy
At Alabama, Walters logged an average of 12.3 minutes per game and contributed 5.4 points, numbers that reflect his role as a versatile bench player. His experience on a deep Crimson Tide roster gave him a front‑row seat to a championship‑contending environment, a backdrop that should serve him well at Troy.
Troy, which finished the 2025‑26 season with a 22‑12 record and secured an at‑large bid to the NCAA Tournament, is now gearing up for its non‑conference slate. The Trojans will open that schedule on November 2 against UMass, a game that promises to showcase the new‑look roster.
Coach Nate Oats, who guided Alabama to the Final Four, remains a prominent figure in the state’s basketball narrative, but Walters’ focus is squarely on the Trojans’ ambitions. The transfer adds depth to a program that has become accustomed to competing on the national stage.
The upcoming matchup against UMass will be more than a season opener; it will be a litmus test for Walters’ integration into Troy’s system and a chance for the Trojans to make an early statement. Fans in both Alabama and Massachusetts are watching closely as the story unfolds.