Quote from Alex bobby on May 30, 2024, 9:35 AM

Bill Walton, the legendary center for John Wooden's UCLA Bruins who later became a Hall of Fame NBA player and renowned basketball broadcaster, passed away on Monday at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the league announced.

Walton's illustrious career included being the NBA MVP for the 1977-78 season, winning two championships, and earning spots on both the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Before his professional career, he was a two-time NCAA champion and three-time national player of the year at UCLA.

"Bill Walton," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, "was truly one of a kind."

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, Walton's larger-than-life presence extended beyond the court. Despite his NBA career being marred by chronic foot injuries and lasting only 468 games across stints with Portland, the San Diego and Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston, he averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

His most memorable performance came during the 1973 NCAA title game against Memphis, where he made an astonishing 21 of 22 shots, leading UCLA to victory. Wooden famously recalled in 2008, "One of my guards said, 'Let's try something else.' My response was, 'Why? If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'"

UCLA coach Mick Cronin reflected on Walton's influence, saying, "It's very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA's program and college basketball. Beyond his accomplishments as a player, his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game, and candid personality were remarkable."

Transitioning from player to broadcaster, Walton overcame a significant stutter to become an Emmy-winning commentator. Named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Association, he also penned a bestseller memoir, "Back from the Dead," detailing his recovery from a debilitating back injury.

"In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can't talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word," Walton told The Oregonian in 2017. "Then, when I was 28 I learned how to speak. It's become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else's biggest nightmare."

Walton's on-air personality was beloved, often seen in Grateful Dead T-shirts and known for his tangents. His affection for the Pac-12 Conference, which he famously dubbed the "Conference of Champions," was unwavering.

"It doesn't get any better than this," he once declared on a broadcast, donning a tie-dyed T-shirt and Hawaiian lei.

Walton will forever be linked to UCLA's golden era. Joining the school in 1970, he helped the Bruins achieve an 88-game winning streak, winning 73 consecutive games once he was eligible to play. UCLA went 30-0 in each of his first two seasons and 86-4 during his varsity career.

"My teammates … made me a much better basketball player than I could ever have become myself," Walton said during his Hall of Fame induction speech. "The concept of team has always been the most intriguing aspect of basketball to me."

Guided by Wooden and Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach, Walton's career flourished. "Thank you, John, and thank you, Red, for making my life what it has become," he said.

Drafted first overall by Portland in 1974, Walton idolized Bill Russell and considered Larry Bird his toughest teammate, ending his career fittingly with the Celtics. "Playing basketball with Larry Bird," Walton once remarked, "is like singing with Jerry Garcia."

Commissioner Silver remembered Walton's "zest for life," noting his ever-present smile and eagerness to share his wisdom. "I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy, and admired the time he took with every person he encountered."

Walton passed away surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Chris, and Luke, a former NBA player and now coach.

Bill Walton's legacy is one of unparalleled contributions to basketball and an enduring spirit that transcended the game. From his dominance at UCLA under the legendary John Wooden to his impactful but injury-plagued NBA career, Walton left an indelible mark on the sport. His post-playing career as an Emmy-winning broadcaster and bestselling author further showcased his versatility and resilience.

Walton's ability to overcome personal challenges, including a significant stutter and a debilitating back injury, speaks to his unwavering determination and character. His vibrant personality and deep love for the game and its community made him a beloved figure both on and off the court.

As we remember Bill Walton, we celebrate a life filled with remarkable achievements, boundless energy, and an infectious passion for basketball. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans. Walton's influence on the game, his commitment to teamwork, and his joyous approach to life ensure that he will always be remembered as a true giant in the world of sports.