NBA Champion, UCLA Legend Bill Walton Dead at 71

The basketball world is mourning the loss of Bill Walton, the legendary UCLA star and Hall of Fame NBA player, who passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Walton's storied career began at UCLA, where he played under the tutelage of the iconic coach John Wooden. During his time with the Bruins from 1971 to 1974, Walton led the team to two consecutive NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973. His dominance on the court was exemplified by his incredible performance in the 1973 NCAA Championship game, where he scored 44 points on 21-of-22 shooting, a feat that remains one of the most remarkable in college basketball history.

Following his illustrious college career, Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He quickly made his mark in the professional ranks, leading the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA Championship in 1977. Walton's brilliance in the Finals earned him the NBA Finals MVP award, solidifying his status as one of the game's greats.

However, Walton's professional career was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness. Despite these setbacks, he found resurgence with the Boston Celtics, where he won another NBA Championship in 1986 and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Walton's ability to overcome adversity and contribute to championship teams highlighted his resilience and passion for the game.

Beyond his playing days, Walton's impact on basketball continued through his work as a broadcaster, where his distinctive voice and unique insights made him a beloved figure among fans.

Walton's passing leaves a profound void in the basketball community. He will be remembered not only for his extraordinary talent and achievements on the court but also for his larger-than-life personality and enduring contributions to the sport.

We spoke with former Clemson SID Tim Bourret about Walton’s college career last week. Bourret recently released a new book, 88-1, focusing on UCLA’s 88-game winning streak from 1970-1974-- which ended at the hands of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.