Bill Walton, who starred for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins before becoming a Hall of Famer and one of the biggest superstars in sports television, died Monday, the league announced on behalf of his home.
Walton, who had a prolonged fight with cancer, was 71.
He was the NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 time, a two-time hero as a player, and a part of both the NBA’s 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary team. That all came after he had a two-time fighter at UCLA and won three national participant of the year at the same time.
“Bill Walton, ” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “was truly one of a kind. ”
( Associated Press )
However, his impact on the sport was enormous.
His most popular game was the 1973 NCAA name activity, UCLA against Memphis, in which he shot an extraordinary 21 for 22 from the industry and led the Bruins to another national finals.
“One of my troops said, ’Let’s try something different, ” Wooden told The Associated Press in 2008 for a 35th anniversary review on that activity.
Denver Nuggets ’ Dan Issel, left, soldiers Portland Trail Blazers ’ Bill Walton as Walton moves towards the box during their activity in Portland, Ore. , Feb. 12, 1978. Walton, who starred for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins before becoming a Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the biggest superstars of sports television, died Monday, May 27, 2024, the group announced on behalf of his home. He was 71. ( AP Photo/Jack Smith, File )
Wooden’s comment during that delay: “ Why? If it ain’t broke, don’t resolve it. ”
Walton was constantly given the game, and he kept giving it a memorable functionality.
“It’s really hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s system, as well as his incredible impact on college basketball, ” UCLA manager Mick Cronin said Monday. Beyond his remarkable achievements as a person, his unwavering commitment to the game, enthusiasm for the sport, and unwavering candor are what have defined his larger than life persona.
“As a zealous UCLA graduate and journalist, he loved being around our people, hearing their tales and sharing his knowledge and advice. For me as a trainer, he was honest, form and always had his heart in the right place. I’m going to lose him a lot. Without him, it’s difficult to imagine a year in Pauley Pavilion. ”
