April 12, 2004

HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston head men's basketball coach Tom Penders today announced the hiring of former Cougar player and assistant coach George Walker as one of UH's assistant coaches.

"I am thrilled and excited about the addition of George Walker to our staff," commented Penders. "He brings a wealth of experience in all areas, including recruiting and head coaching and assistant coaching at both the junior college and Division I levels.

"He knows Houston like the back of his hand, and he is one of the best big man coaches in the land. What he did with Hakeem (Olajuwon) when he was an assistant is amazing.

"We welcome him back to the Cougar family."

Walker returns to his alma mater after a four-year absence, spending the last three years as the head basketball coach at The Honor Roll School in Sugar Land. This appointment with UH marks the third time he has coached within the ranks of the Cougar program. Walker, who spent two seasons (1998-2000) as an assistant for Drexler and six campaigns (1980-86) under legendary coach Guy V. Lewis, is ecstatic about returning to the Cougar basketball family.

"This is an absolutely great feeling," said Walker. "After being there with Guy and Clyde, I am excited about returning to help out Tom in my third go around. This is something new and something fresh, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

"I cannot wait to start coaching (at Houston) again."

Walker originally rejoined the Houston program in 1998, after serving as the Assistant Athletic Director and head basketball coach at South Florida Community College from 1992-98. At South Florida, Walker was in charge of the entire basketball program, which included coaching, administration, sports information and serving as an academic advisor for the student-athletes. As a coach, he compiled a 120-74 record.

He went to South Florida CC after serving as an assistant coach at Midland Junior College from 1986-92. While at Midland, Walker coached former Cougar letterman Kirk Ford.

Before working at Midland, Walker began his coaching career at his alma mater under Lewis in 1980. He was a part-time assistant coach from 1980-83 and served as a full-time assistant coach from 1984-86. He was on the Cougar coaching staff when Houston played in three straight NCAA Final Fours in 1982-84, the 1981 NCAA Tournament and the 1985 NIT.

Not only was Walker an assistant coach at Houston, he was a starting forward in 1977-78 and 1978-79 and appeared in 129 games during his four-year career. Walker served as team captain as a senior, averaging 14.5 points and a team-leading 9.3 rebounds per game. He led Houston in field goal percentage three consecutive seasons, ending his career with 1,107 points and 691 rebounds.

Walker was a starting forward in 1977-78, when Houston won its first Southwest Conference Classic Championship and played in the NCAA Tournament. He also was sixth-man for the 1977 club that played in the championship game of the NIT.

Before he played at Houston, Walker played at Dulles High School in Stafford, Texas.

Walker received a bachelor of science in physical education at Houston in 1983. He and his wife, Gloria, have two children, Lauren and Jordan.

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