INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI Athletics Department and Head Basketball Coach Jason Gardner announced the addition of guard Grant Weatherford for the 2017-18 season. Weatherford played this past season at Midland (Texas) College and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-2 guard is a native of Cicero, Ind. and began his collegiate career at Purdue University. Weatherford sat out the 2015-16 season at Purdue before opting to transfer to Midland prior to last season. 

"Grant's a big time addition to our program," Gardner said. "Honestly, he's just a flat out winner. He does a lot of winning things that don't necessarily show up in a box score. He's a really tough defender on the perimeter and a true leader. Guys rally behind him because he knows exactly what it takes to win. 

"His versatility is going to allow him to be successful in a lot of different roles. He can run the point, he can play off the ball and he can guard a lot of different positions. He's going to come in and compete right away for playing time and makes us a better program because of his experience and toughness. I know he wanted to be back close to home and he fits in well with the guys we have coming back."

Weatherford averaged 6.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game at Midland College last season. He tallied a season-high 17 points at New Mexico J.C. on Feb. 23 and tallied 15 points against New Mexico Military Institute on Mar. 2. Had had a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) against Glendale on Nov. 17 and had a second double-double (10 points, 11 assists) at Clarendon on Dec. 3. 

Weatherford was considered a 3-star recruit by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com after a standout career at Hamilton Heights High School. He averaged 12.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists a game his senior year after averaging 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.3 steals per game as a junior. He helped Hamilton Heights to an 18-4 record his junior year. 
 
He excelled with Indiana Elite on the AAU circuit, helping them to the adidas Super 64 team title. He scored 18 points in the championship of the adidas Invitational, helping Indiana Elite to the U17 title. Weatherford was also an exceptional high school football player, closing his prep career with 155 career receptions and 60 touchdowns. 

Weatherford is IUPUI's third signee for next season, joining true freshmen Brandon Hau and Jaylen Minnett. 

 

2017-18 IUPUI Signing Class (as of 5/10/2017)
Name	Pos.	Ht.	Hometown	High School	Previous School
Brandon Hau	F	6-7	Mukwanago, Wisc.	Mukwanago
Jaylen Minnett	G	6-0	Terre Haute, Ind.	Terre Haute South
Grant Weatherford	G	6-2	Cicero, Ind.	Hamilton Heights	Midland (Texas) College