Sam Walters, a 6‑foot‑7 forward who earned a reputation as a reliable three‑point shooter, announced that he will spend his final year of eligibility with the Troy Trojans for the 2026‑27 season. The move caps a journey that has taken him from the Crimson Tide to the Lone Star State and the Great Lakes region.
A Career in Motion
Walters began his collegiate career at Alabama, where he appeared in 37 games off the bench during the team's run to the Final Four. In that season he posted a career‑high 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc. His shooting efficiency made him a valuable floor‑spacer, especially in high‑pressure moments.
The following year he transferred to SMU, where he averaged 2.6 points per game during the 2025‑26 campaign. A subsequent move to Michigan saw him see action in 23 games, contributing five points and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 38% from three‑point range. Each stop added layers of experience and a deeper understanding of different offensive systems.
Now at Troy, Walters joins a program that has been steadily building its competitive edge in the Sun Belt Conference. Coaches see his veteran presence as a catalyst for younger players, while fans anticipate his ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities in crunch time. The transition also marks a personal milestone, as he will be the first in his family to complete a full four‑year degree while still competing at the highest level of college basketball.
The addition of Walters underscores Troy's strategic recruiting moves, aligning with the university's broader push to elevate its athletic profile. As the Trojans prepare for the upcoming season, Walters' blend of shooting accuracy, rebounding grit, and collegiate savvy positions the team to contend more fiercely within its conference and perhaps beyond.