Walton played for UCLA under Coach Wooden from 1971 to 1974. He was injured and lost for the remainder of the playoffs in the second game of the first-round series against the Seattle SuperSonics. [25][26], In his 87 career games at UCLA, Walton shot 65.1% from the field, averaging 20.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. "[74], "I'm here to try and make amends for the mistakes and errors of the past", Walton, said to the press in returning to Portland in 2009. Playing 20 minutes due to foul trouble, Walton had four points and 12 rebounds in the victory over Weber State, taking only one shot. [citation needed], Walton first played organized basketball under Frank "Rocky" Graciano, who coached at Walton's Catholic elementary school. After losing the first two games, the Blazers won four straight to win the NBA championship. He fully realized his potential during that season, averaging nearly 19 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.2 blocks per game. Following his retirement, he became an outspoken analyst on NBA television broadcasts. [106], Walton maintained a close lifetime friendship with Coach John Wooden, visiting him often. Walton averaged 29 points and 25 rebounds, as Helix finished 330 in his senior season. From 1972-74, Bill Walton led UCLA to an 86-4 record and two national titles. "[73], Coach Jack Ramsay, in 2010, called Walton the best Portland Trail Blazer, "hands down no question", Ramsay said. Walton reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $7 million contract. [11], After the 198485 campaign, Walton called on two of the league's premier teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. He was named first-team All-American with Jim Chones of Marquette, Bo Lamar of the Louisiana-Lafayette, Ed Ratleff of Long Beach State, and Tom Riker of South Carolina. William Theodore Walton III [39][38], "David Thompson's a great champion. "[72], In the men's basketball final, the United States controversially lost to the Soviet Union 5150, finishing in second place. [37], In the 25 team 1974 NCAA tournament, UCLA defeated Dayton 111100, in a game where Walton had 27 points and 19 rebounds. And another one. I said, 'Mom, that's Big E! I'm lying on the table there in the doctors examining room. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. It's true that Bill's game, even when he was healthy, was never about flash. He was recruited by many colleges, but quickly accepted UCLA's scholarship offer to play basketball for the Bruins and Coach Wooden. He was a good but injury-prone pro. In the Nuggets series Walton averaged 17.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 3.0 blocks. Do you have a blog? He only played in ten games during the season. [34] "One of the saddest days for Coach Wooden was the day he came down and had to bail me out of jail after I got arrested in the anti-Vietnam (War) protest. Walton was named the 1972 NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. Center [17], In 1970, Walton was featured in "Faces in the Crowd" in the January 26 issue of Sports Illustrated, his first national media recognition. College: Arizona High School: University in San Diego, California Recruiting Rank: 1998 (71) Draft: Los Angeles Lakers, 2nd round (3rd pick, 32nd overall), 2003 NBA Draft Omissions? Rocket players learned that to get into the Helix gym they could call the teenage Walton, who had his own gym key. It was just a nightmare. Bill Walton was a great college player, maybe the best ever. Bill Walton was one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. Walton's only four losses came in his senior year (Notre Dame, Oregon State, Oregon and then NC State in the NCAA tournament). He creates so many problems. I've never met anybody who stopped playing voluntarily. Bill Walton Bill Walton couldn't escape the injury bug in his NBA career. Find out more. His efforts were rewarded with the NBAs Sixth Man Award for the 198586 season. He is a wonderful person and a very special human being", Walton said. ", Memphis State coach Murray Bartow, prior to the 1973 national championship game: "Anyone who runs with UCLA is going to lose. I've had 37 (38 now) orthopedic operations. I stuttered horrendously, couldn't speak at all. The Waltons' La Mesa home was a hillside home on Colorado Avenue, just below Lake Murray. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. And I looked up at him, and I said, 'Red, I think I can. "[36], In 2009, Walton underwent an eight-hour spinal-fusion surgery. "Helix is where it all began. Watch the incredible performance for yourself: The fact that Walton once scored 44 points in an NCAA tournament title game while nearly being perfect from the field completely reframes the discussion about his greatest games. I ground my feet up into dust. Bird said that if Walton felt healthy enough to play that it was good enough for him, as opposed to Lakers GM Jerry West, who was hedging his interest in Walton pending a doctor's report. [93][94] Luke was the head coach of the Lakers (20162019), after two years as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors. Walton received the NBA Retired Players Association Humanitarian Award in 2002. All rights reserved. Center Bill Walton played 10 seasons for 3 teams. Bill Walton Returns to ESPN College Basketball Airwaves Having starred at UCLA as a player, Bill Walton is synonymous with being on the call for games involving Pac-12 Conference teams. The UCLA streak contributed to a personal winning streak that lasted almost five years, in which Walton's high school, UCLA freshman (freshmen were ineligible for the varsity at that time) and UCLA varsity teams did not lose a game from the middle of his junior year of high school to the middle of his senior year in college. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. He played 20 minutes in his last game for UCLA and Coach Wooden. I looked up at him with the sad, soft eyes of a young man who just wanted one more chance. Career Stats I was never so embarrassed in my life. CAN'T MISS: Find out which March Madness Moment was voted the greatest of all time. Look at this. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. The team leader on defense, Walton was a superb rebounder and outlet passer to start the fast break. They defeated Long Beach State and coach Jerry Tarkanian in the Western Regional final 7357 to reach the Final Four. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. All these guys treated melittle Billylike I was part of the team. [23], In the 25-team 1972 NCAA tournament, UCLA defeated Weber State 9058. [46], At age 17, just out of high school, in the summer of 1970, Walton was selected to represent USA Basketball at the 1970 FIBA World Championship. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? The Rockets had no set practice facility and would often play pick-up games at Helix High School. Despite a career as an NBA player marred by injuries, he won an NBA MVP, an NBA Finals MVP, and a pair of titles. We couldn't get him out. He missed three games. "[55], The following season, the 197778 Trail Blazers won 50 of their first 60 games, as Walton averaged 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 58 games. (Bill Walton had attended Stanford Law School for two years while with the Clippers, but never graduated.) [46], On May 13, 1979, Walton signed as a veteran free agent with the San Diego Clippers; the Portland Trail Blazers received Kevin Kunnert, Kermit Washington and a 1980 first-round draft pick (Mike Gminski was later selected) as compensation ordered by the NBA. So I'm here to apologize, to try and make amends, and to try and start over and make it better. Wooden said Walton is the best center he had ever seen in throwing outlet passes. Look at his feet. A famous free spirit, he was known for his social activism, outspoken opinions, and devotion to the Grateful Dead rock band. Then, when I was 28 I learned how to speak. I've never seen a player so dominating as Walton. Right, Born: All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. I'm the luckiest guy on earth. A disgrace to the game of basketball, a disgrace to sport. They were basketball teammates in high school. [114], Walton also considers himself a fan and friend of the late writer Ken Kesey. After being selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft, Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, earning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award that season. The only way to beat UCLA is to keep Walton from getting the ball and there's really no way to do it at least with our personnel. Give me the phone!' He rung up 2,402 points over his collegiate career and was selected as an All-American three times. [23][24], In the 1972 Final Four, Walton had 33 points and 21 rebounds, on 11 of 13 shooting and 11 of 12 free-throws, against Louisville in the NCAA semifinal, as UCLA won 9677. "Walton could do everything, he had great timing, complete vision of the floor, had excellent fundamentals and was a great passer, both in outlet passes and in the half court. Everything that Coach Wooden told us eventually came true. A story published in The TerreHaute Tribune on March 24, 1972 noted that Walton hadn't lost a game since he was a sophomore in high school in 1967. In 1978, following the two most impressive seasons of his young career, he suffered the first of several serious injuries; he developed chronic foot and knee problems that forced him to sit out the entire season. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Playing with four personal fouls, Walton fell hard to the floor on a play and injured his left knee and ankle. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. 1978 NBA MVP. Red looks down at me. "[11], In Walton's senior year, UCLA's 88-game winning streak ended with a 7170 loss at Notre Dame on January 19, 1974. [16] His 25.0 rebounds per game in a season ranks No. Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. I found a safe place in life in basketball. After retiring from the NBA, Walton overcame stuttering and embarked on a second career as a sportscaster, working both as a studio analyst and color commentator with stints for several networks and teams. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. UCLA was 864 in Walton's three seasons. Bill Walton led a dynasty to two national championships, and an 88-game winning streak that no men's team has yet to touch. [118][119], Walton has cameo appearances in the films 88 and 1, Celtic Pride, Little Nicky and Semi-Pro, and appeared as Sven the Wise in the 2011 Capital One Visigoth SportsNet commercials. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Bill Walton Playoffs Game Log. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? [36], Overall, as a senior, Walton averaged 19.3 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Bruce was a star football player as well. "Yes", said Gloria Walton, "then when the referee wasn't looking, Bruce would give the player an elbow and let him know that the skinny guy was his kid brother. [82], Walton's 2003 TV series Bill Walton's Long Strange Trip aired on ESPN with Walton as subject and star. When UCLA led Memphis State 35-30, Walton wasn't that far behind the Tigers with his individual point total of 20. Thank you Boston Celtics. His saga of injury and failed rehabs was connected to the use of painkillers by the doctor who was assigned to his case. "[35][22], A week later, the Bruins beat the Fighting Irish 9475 at home. It is a stain and stigma on my soul that is indelible. [citation needed], Said Walton of Coach Wooden: "I was John Wooden's easiest recruit. He was named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Professional Life of Bill Walton. 7 all-time. John Wooden. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? And I was going to go until I couldn't go anymore. 7 Arizona, Indiana outruns Purdue, UNC and Florida State earn stunning wins and more from a men's hoops Saturday, How two HBCUs won an NCAA tournament game in the same year for the first time, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, 1971-72: 21.1 points, 15.5 rebounds, 63.9% field goal shooting, 1972-73: 20.4 points, 16.9 rebounds, 65.0% field goal shooting, 1973-74: 19.3 points, 14.7 rebounds, 66.5% field goal shooting, One of the top 15 players honored in th e75 Years of March Madness Celebration, The most points scored in an NCAA tournament championship game: 44 points (1973), The most field goals in an NCAA tournament championship game: 21 (1973), UCLA's all-time leader in career rebounds: 1,370 rebounds, UCLA's all-time leader in career rebounds per game (min. "Walton started UCLA's famed fast break with quick outlet passes," noted the AP. [22], Walton is a fan of the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, Neil Young, Phish, and Bob Dylan. Walton continued to display his dominance during the 197778 campaign, ultimately winning the NBAs MVP award after tallying 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game that season. The 6'6" 205-pound wing set the NCAA record for career rebounds (2,201) that still stands today. We present them here for purely educational purposes. stunned the reigning national champs, 2023 NC skiing championship selections announced. North Carolina State defeated the Bruins 8077 in double overtime in the NCAA semi-finals. Luke Theodore Walton (Little Wheats) Position: Small Forward and Power Forward Shoots: Right 6-8, 235lb (203cm, 106kg) . [15] In addition, Walton's 825 rebounds that season ranks No 3 all-time. Walton was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 1984. [69], Walton was selected to the 1972 U.S. Olympic basketball team, but declined to participate. His parents had interests in art, literature, politics, and music. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. UCLA was 86-4 during Bill Walton's three years of college with the center starting his college career 73-0. And Red, through the smoke, with a big, cherubic grin on his face, looked at the doctors, looked at me, and he said, 'He's fine. Here is the schedule, scores and game times for the 2023 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, running Feb. 23-26. His high arch, which made the foot bones susceptible to breaking, was lowered to relieve the stress on the bones. Walton eventually signed with the San Diego Clippers when he became a free agent in 1979. "[36], UCLA had to come back and play in the NCAA 3rd place game, in which they eventually defeated Kansas. In fact, the number of jumpers he made outside of the lane might be the most impressive part of his 44-point, 95-percent shooting performance. [14], "I had no problem with him during the season", Wooden said of Walton's college days. He became the only player to have won an NBA Finals MVP, Sixth Man Award, and regular season MVP. Coach Wooden never tired of telling us that once you become a good person, then you have a chance of becoming a good basketball player. Wooden would become a lifetime mentor to Walton. "He thought enough of me to make sure I was comfortable with him being on the team. Walton is a noted fan of the Grateful Dead, as a self-described "Deadhead", and often mentions them in his broadcasts. [32], "I don't think anything ever meant as much to me as playing UCLA and one of John Wooden's best teams for the national championship", Bartow said in 1993. I lived most of my life by myself. I had no idea what we had at UCLA. I don't think anyone can get in a run-and-shoot contest with them and win not us, not the Boston Celtics, not anyone. He rarely talked about basketball, but generally about life. We found that out. Walton re-fractured the navicular bone in the fourth 1979 exhibition game and subsequently missed all of the 198081 and 198182 seasons, undergoing several surgeries on his injured foot. Bill Walton led the Bruins to two consecutive 300 seasons and the NCAA men's basketball record 88-game winning streak. But I will take one. Hard to the floor on a play and injured his left knee and ankle 14 ], Walton. Only played in ten games during the season '', and I said 'Mom... Game of the team was going to go until I could n't speak at.. Automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please to! A very special human being '', Walton underwent an eight-hour spinal-fusion surgery and a very human! A famous free spirit, he became the only player to have won an NBA Finals,! 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