The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/813087
MAY 2017 THE WOLVERINE 45 15.5 — and 37.3 minutes in the last 17 games, playing more than 40 minutes twice in that span. When it finally ended, with his shot caroming off the front rim against the Ducks, he couldn't believe it was over. "We just wanted to win," Walton said. "We just wanted to keep play- ing." After it finally sunk in that he was about to take off his U-M uniform for the last time, he reflected on his incredible career. He finished with 1,471 points, 562 rebounds and 499 assists, becoming the one and only member of Michigan's 1,000-point, 500-rebound, 400-assist club. "It's been great. The thing I'm proud of more than anything moving forward is I think the younger guys who are going to play next year and lead this team pretty much see how hard you have to work to get here," he said. "Seeing it like that, there's a sense of gratitude being able to help these guys. "I just wanted to help lead my team. The stats are the stats, but they're the least of what I'm impressed by. I was trying to be the best leader I can be. That's all I can really say. I was happy to be around such great guys, so much talent in this locker room … Coach [Beilein] gave me the oppor- tunity to lead here, and for that I'm forever grateful." Beilein was, too. He put his arm around Walton as they walked off the floor together one last time. "We just both talked about the last play. We both thought it was a great shot," Walton said. "I've made that shot 1,000 times. But I'm grateful that a kid from the east side of Detroit got a chance to represent my family and my university. I can't hold my head down about that one." He won't and he shouldn't, and he'll leave Michigan with a lifetime of memories after earning his spot among the Wolverines' greats. ❏ Derrick Walton Jr.'s Career Highlights • Played in 127 career games — tied for 15th in U-M history, 65th Wolverine to surpass 100 career games. • Started in 126 career games — ranking third in U-M history, 21st Wolverine to surpass 100 career starts. • Played 4,053 minutes — ranking eighth in U-M history, eighth Wolverine to surpass 4,000 minutes played. • Scored 1,471 career points — ranking 22nd in U-M history, 51st Wolverine to surpass 1,000 career points. • Recorded 499 career assists — ranking fourth in U-M history, ninth Wolverine surpass 400 career assists. • Tied for fourth all time in three-point field goals made (233). • Ranks second all time in career free throw percentage (83.67). • Ranks eighth all time in three-point field goals attempted (581). • Ranks seventh all time in steals (146). • Is the only player in U-M history to score 1,000 points, pull down 500 rebounds and dish out 400 assists. • Recorded just the fifth triple-double in U-M history with 10 points, 11 re- bounds and 13 assists against Youngstown State (Dec. 19, 2015). • Owns U-M's single-game assist record with 16 at Nebraska (March 5, 2017). • Owns U-M's single-season record for three -point field goals attempted (232, 2016- 17). • U-M's Bill Buntin Most Valu- able Player (2017). • U-M's Thad Garner Leader- ship Award (2017). • U-M's Award for Outstanding Free Throw Shooting (2017) • U-M's Gary Grant Award for Most Assists (2017). • Big Ten Tournament Most Valuable Player (2017). • All-Big Ten second team (2017, coaches and media). • USBWA All-District V team (2017). • NABC District 7 second team (2017). • U-M's Wayman Britt Out- standing D efensive Player (2016). • U-M's Gary Grant Award for Most Assists (2016). • U-M's Loy Vaught Rebound- ing Award (2016). • All-Big Ten third team (2016, coaches), honorable mention (2016, media). • Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2014). • U-M Athletic Academic Achievement (2014). Walton "I just wanted to help lead my team. The stats are the stats, but they're the least of what I'm impressed by. I was trying to be the best leader I can be. That's all I can really say." Walton became the first player in school history to record at least 1,000 points (1,471 points), 500 rebounds (562) and 400 assists (499) in his career. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN