The sports world received shocking news Monday as it was revealed that NBA Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton died at the age of 71 from cancer.
Walton, along with Kareem Abdul Jabbar, was part of those great UCLA teams of John Wooden back in the early 1970s before moving on to have a storied career in the NBA.
In his later years, Walton was the color analyst for ESPN on their college basketball coverage.
The NBA released a statement passing their condolences on to his family.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.
“Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans.”
Many of Walton’s friends and colleagues passed along their condolences to the late Hall of Famer as well.
One of the most touching tributes came from ESPN’s College Gameday Host Rece Davis.
“Saddened to hear of Bill Walton’s passing. He was a wonderful soul. He had a speaking engagement near the town where I grew up a couple of years ago. We talked for an hour or so because he wanted to know things about the area. Shortly after we hung up, he called back and asked for The address of the house is grew up in. Couldn’t imagine why he wanted it but a couple of weeks later he sent me a photo of him standing in front of the house with a jar of dirt from the yard. Said he was going to mix it with the dirt at his house in San Diego. I’ve rarely been more flattered. RIP Big Fella. Prayers for his family and the people who loved him. There were a lot of us. We were the luckiest guys in the world.”
Saddened to hear of Bill Walton’s passing. He was a wonderful soul. He had a speaking engagement near the town where I grew up a couple of years ago. We talked for an hour or so because he wanted to know things about the area. Shortly after we hung up, he called back and asked…
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) May 27, 2024
Walton is being remembered by many for not only his play but his enthusiasm for the game especially when he called the college games.
Bill Walton was definitely one of a kind. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/LN7eyMYzba
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 27, 2024
His memorable calls of games are being remembered by young college basketball fans, while older fans remember his days with UCLA and playing for the Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics.
Dr. J sent his condolences to his family.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports world’s most beloved champions & characters has passed. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too.” Doc
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
Walton will also be remembered by many for his political stances as well, which may have angered some because he was an old-school hippie who many times throughout his life spoke out against the injustice against others. But he will be most remembered by many for his kindness, his enthusiasm, and the fun and excitement he brought to the game of basketball.
{Rece Davis, ESPN, Dr. J}
