COLLEGE HOOPS: ‘Impulse decision’ lands Goodwin walk-on spot at Wallace State

Published 1:37 pm Thursday, July 28, 2016

Wallace State is adding another familiar name to the roster for the upcoming men’s basketball season.

Cullman High graduate Gage Goodwin is walking on at the local junior college, joining Hanceville product Xavier Malcom as soon-to-be Lions hailing from the area.

Already set to attend Wallace State, Goodwin made the “impulse decision” Wednesday to email coach John Meeks his highlights and ask if there were any spots available. Meeks didn’t take long to respond, the two sides met up Thursday to discuss the details and Goodwin’s future as a Lion was set in stone.

Easy as that.

Talk about a quick turnaround.

“Well, I really want to keep playing,” Goodwin said. “I just miss basketball, and I want to see how far I can go, honestly. I know I can do it if I just put my mind to it and work hard.”

The 6-2 shooting guard was the Bearcats’ second-leading scorer last season with 14.3 points a game. He also averaged five rebounds and had a string of electric dunks en route to Cullman claiming its third straight area tournament championship.

Goodwin and Malcom were both invited to the Alabama Basketball Academy’s annual Senior Showcase this past spring. Goodwin said he’s already texted “X” and asked when they’re going to start working and shooting.

The answer, as expected, was bright and early.

The two are likely to draw their fair share of local spectators — so long as they withstand the trials and tribulations that come with being a walk-on.

Goodwin, for one, is ready for the challenge.

“Me and him, we’re definitely going to work hard,” Goodwin said. “We’ve got to prove a lot to our people around here.”

Goodwin’s brother, Maison, who’s also a Cullman High alum, is approaching his second year on scholarship with Wallace State’s baseball program.