HARTFORD, Conn. — UConn men’s basketball legend Kemba Walker has officially announced his retirement from professional basketball.

The 34-year-old made the announcement in a post on social media.

“Thank you, basketball,” Walker wrote. “I want to start this by thanking God for everything he has given me. Basketball has done more for me than I ever could have imagined, and I am super thankful for the amazing journey I’ve had.

“With that, I’m here to share that I am officially retiring from the game of basketball. This has all been a dream. When I look back, I still can’t believe the things I achieved in my career.”

Walker led UConn on an incredible run to the 2011 national championship, and was drafted ninth overall by the Charlotte Bobcats in the 2011 draft. He played eight seasons in Charlotte, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer (12,009 points), and leader in three-pointers made (1,283) and minutes played (20,607).

He went on to play two seasons with the Boston Celtics (2019-21), before finishing his career with the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. He last played in the NBA with the Mavs in 2023, and spent last season with AS Monaco in the France’s LNB Elite and the EuroLeague.

For his NBA career, Walker averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

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