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His head coach calls Walyn Napper the team’s engine. College basketball analysts agree, saying he drives Longwood’s efforts with his passing and scoring. And now the senior from Columbia, South Carolina has joined an inclusive club, hitting the 1,000-point mark during the regular season finale 

“I’m truly blessed,” Napper said. “It’s a big achievement not only for myself but for my family as well. Being the first in my family to go to college and do the things I’m doing is a blessing. I give credit to my coaches and teammates for putting me in this position.” 

For someone who drives the Lancers’ efforts on the court, it might come as a surprise that the 6’1 Napper’s first love wasn’t basketball. He got started on the football field before a relocation turned him into a two-sport star. 

“Originally, I’m from Alabama,” Napper said. “I played football at first, growing up. Then we moved to South Carolina when I was 10. There was a rec center just up the street from my house. I would go over there all the time and just shoot around. One time, I hit a half-court shot and a rec coach saw it. He asked if I wanted to come play for his team. And that’s how things got started.”

And over time, he developed a love for basketball. He was introduced to players like Allen Iverson and Kyrie Irving, guards that he started to pattern his own style of play after. And he became a LeBron James fan. 

“I respect his talent, his leadership, the way he knows the game,” Napper said. 

He played both sports at Ridge View High, earning 4A Player of the Year awards in basketball and football. On the football field, he still holds the school’s single season receiving records, with 85 receptions and 1,585 yards. But he was no slouch on the court either, scoring 1,093 points while setting school records for both career assists at 353 and steals at 172. 

Walyn Napper aims at another goal 

Now, as a college senior, he’s aiming at another goal, focusing on the Big South Conference tournament this weekend. He and the team are ranked No. 5 in the conference, thanks to a literal last second game-winning shot last Saturday against High Point. 

“Being able to hit a game-winning layup, I haven’t been able to do that since high school,” Napper said. “I got the ball, saw the clock and just tried to do whatever I could to help us win. We knew we needed to win that game to be the fifth seed.” 

That win was the difference between being the fifth seed and being No. 8 or No. 9, competing in the play-in game. Teams in the play-in have a much longer tournament and a much harder hill to climb. Napper was determined not to be in that spot. 

“Just to do it in the JPB (Joan Perry Brock Center), it felt good,” Napper said. “I’m thankful for my coach, putting the ball in my hands. He had the trust in me to go make the shot.” 

Longwood Head Coach Griff Aldrich said he absolutely has trust in his senior guard. 

“Walyn has – in many ways – been our engine this year,” Aldrich said. “His abilities along with his influence has led us when we are playing our best. The growth he has shown – personally as well as athletically- this year as compared to last year has truly been a joy to witness. And, I believe has been the basis for his success and all-conference caliber play.” 

And now, the 6’1 senior guard from Columbia, South Carolina wants to make his mark again on the Big South. He knows the team has had challenges this year and struggled at times, but also sees their ability when they’re focused. 

“As long as we come out and play hard from start to finish, I believe we can beat anybody in this league,” Walyn Napper said. “Game by game, one game at a time, we just have to compete.” 

Longwood plays at 2 p.m. Friday in the Big South Conference tournament, taking on No. 4 Winthrop.