South Carolina Center Sakima Walker Enters Transfer Portal
South Carolina women’s basketball center Sakima Walker has entered the NCAA transfer portal, Gamecocks Central has confirmed.
The 6-foot-5 post player spent the last two seasons in Columbia after transferring from Rutgers and a junior college stop at Northwest Florida State. Walker appeared in 31 games during her first year with the Gamecocks, contributing two points and 1.3 rebounds per contest as part of Dawn Staley’s deep rotation.
In the 2024-25 season, Walker’s on-court presence was limited. She appeared in just 15 games while battling lower leg injuries that kept her from establishing a rhythm and consistent role in the lineup. Despite limited minutes, Walker remained a valued member of the program, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike for her leadership, work ethic, and positive spirit.
Affectionately known as “Mama ‘Kima” in the locker room, Walker was often seen mentoring younger players and setting a tone of accountability and support behind the scenes. Her contributions to the team culture were widely recognized, even as her on-court role diminished in a frontcourt that featured stars like Kamilla Cardoso and Ashlyn Watkins.
Walker’s decision to enter the portal gives her one more opportunity to find a new home and potentially carve out a larger playing role. With her size, experience, and leadership qualities, she is expected to draw interest from programs in need of a veteran post presence.
South Carolina, fresh off another deep postseason run and stacked with incoming talent, will now look to retool its frontcourt depth as it prepares for another national title push.
As for Walker, she leaves Columbia with the respect and admiration of the Gamecock community—and a legacy as one of the program’s most beloved teammates.
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Gamecocks Central
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