Bill Walton, UCLA legend, NBA star and Pac-12 advocate, dies at age 71

Bill Walton, a UCLA basketball legend who became an NBA star and an outspoken advocate for the virtues of the Pac-12 conference as a broadcaster, has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged cancer battle.

The NBA announced Walton’s death on Monday, launching a series of tributes to the gregarious La Mesa, Calif., native who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. 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,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”

Walton grew up listening to UCLA basketball radio broadcasts and quickly committed to joining the Bruins despite numerous other scholarship offers. His laid-back approach to life clashed at times with Wooden, but Walton called the legendary UCLA coach his lifelong mentor and friend.

Freshmen were not allowed to play on the varsity squad during Walton’s college career. He was the Bruins’ starting center for three seasons (1972-74), playing on UCLA’s only varsity teams to record back-to-back 30-0 seasons in 1972 and 1973. He led UCLA to back-to-back NCAA titles as a sophomore and junior (1972, 1973).

“On behalf of everyone with the UCLA men’s basketball program, we are deeply saddened to learn of Bill Walton’s passing,” Bruins coach Mick Cronin said in a statement. “… It’s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball. Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality. As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories, and sharing his wisdom and advice. For me as a coach, he was honest, kind, and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much. It’s hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him.”

Following his NBA career, Walton became a star broadcaster known for his high energy commentary and frequent tributes to the Grateful Dead. He was an unabashed cheerleader for his alma mater and the Pac-12 conference, which he tirelessly referred to as the “Conference of Champions.” He lamented UCLA and USC leading teams defecting from the Pac-12 in search of greater financial stability. The Pac-12 hosted its final event, the conference baseball tournament championship game, during the weekend.

Walton was surrounded by his family when he died Monday. He is survived by his wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and extended family.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.