Friend Bill Walton - Kevin Stacom

Earlier on Monday, I was preparing an analysis of what was heralded as a “historic” agreement between the Power 5 Conferences and the NCAA. This complex topic is fraught with legal and business intricacies and many uncertainties yet to unfold. The "agreement" resembles more of a preliminary term sheet, raising more questions than it answers.

Caught in the midst of this internal debate about what might be informative for the average fan versus delving into the complex legalities of antitrust issues, I decided to call my old friend, Bill Walton, for some perspective and levity on this dry subject. Just moments before making the call, I received a text informing me that Bill had passed away earlier today.

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Out of respect for him, I feel compelled to emphasize what a great and dominant player Bill Walton was when he was healthy. It's understandable that he might be underappreciated today, as most commentators ranking players now didn't have the benefit of seeing him play live.

Bill arrived at UCLA as a freshman for the 1970-71 season when freshmen played on separate teams and couldn't compete on Varsity teams. Despite this, he led his freshman team to an undefeated season. When he became eligible as a sophomore, UCLA was in the midst of the most dominant run in college basketball history, having won five consecutive NCAA Championships and seven of the past eight. In his first two Varsity seasons, UCLA went 60-0, securing two national titles.

My Providence College teammates and I witnessed the second title game in St. Louis, having just lost to Memphis State in the semifinal after Marvin Barnes hyperextended his knee. In that 1973 Championship game against Memphis State, Bill scored 44 points, making 21 of 22 shots. This remains the highest point total in a Division I Championship game, and his field goal percentage in that game is the highest ever for a Division I player with at least 20 shots.

Walton's first collegiate loss came in the 14th game of his senior year, ending an amazing 88-game winning streak at Notre Dame. Including his last two years of high school, his undefeated freshman season, and his first two undefeated Varsity seasons at UCLA, Walton had a personal 142-win streak.

I also had a front-row seat watching him lead Portland to a Championship in 1977. As a pro, when healthy, he approached the game like Bill Russell—dominating rebounds, blocking shots, and being a major facilitator on offense, often scoring within the flow of the game rather than from set plays.

I got to know Bill personally during a training camp with the then San Diego Clippers. The first part of the camp was in a remote desert location east of San Diego. As we were preparing to return to San Diego for the remaining camp and exhibition season, Bill invited me to stay at his house instead of a hotel. I couldn't refuse. Years later, I remember him extending the same generosity to Marvin Barnes during his struggles with addiction, encouraging Marvin while they worked out together in preparation for Bill's 1986 Championship season with Boston.

I recall driving from the desert to his home, a two to three-hour journey. Bill was fascinated with my experiences at the Celtics, asking about Red Auerbach, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, Paul Silas, Jo Jo White, and more. He was searching for camaraderie and success similar to what he experienced at UCLA, and I was thrilled for him when he played with Larry Bird and won a Championship in 1986.

A quick side story—during an exhibition game in Oakland, Bill had arranged a limo and backstage passes for a Gerry Garcia concert in San Francisco. Unfortunately, he reinjured his foot that night, and it never happened. I'll never forget his look of disappointment and despondence as he faced yet another injury.

Years later, when Bill came to Rhode Island for a speaking engagement, he visited my small Irish/sports bar, Mudville Pub, in Newport. He spent hours graciously signing autographs and engaging with everyone who approached him.

We kept in touch over the years, often meeting at games he was broadcasting or calling around Draft time for his opinions on prospects, especially in the PAC 12. The last time I saw him was by chance in a sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City. Despite his towering frame, he was squeezed into a counter, and we had a great catch-up conversation. He insisted on picking up the tab that night, and I regret I'll never get the chance to return the favor.

Bill Walton was the best basketball player I ever saw when healthy, but more importantly, he was one of the most sincere and genuine people I've ever met. I'll miss being able to pick up the phone and call an old friend.

**Bill Walton, UCLA PHOTO: Public Domain**

Earlier on Monday, I was preparing an analysis of what was heralded as a “historic” agreement between the Power 5 Conferences and the NCAA. This complex topic is fraught with legal and business intricacies and many uncertainties yet to unfold. The "agreement" resembles more of a preliminary term sheet, raising more questions than it answers.

Caught in the midst of this internal debate about what might be informative for the average fan versus delving into the complex legalities of antitrust issues, I decided to call my old friend, Bill Walton, for some perspective and levity on this dry subject. Just moments before making the call, I received a text informing me that Bill had passed away earlier today.

**GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST**

Out of respect for him, I feel compelled to emphasize what a great and dominant player Bill Walton was when he was healthy. It's understandable that he might be underappreciated today, as most commentators ranking players now didn't have the benefit of seeing him play live.

Bill arrived at UCLA as a freshman for the 1970-71 season when freshmen played on separate teams and couldn't compete on Varsity teams. Despite this, he led his freshman team to an undefeated season. When he became eligible as a sophomore, UCLA was in the midst of the most dominant run in college basketball history, having won five consecutive NCAA Championships and seven of the past eight. In his first two Varsity seasons, UCLA went 60-0, securing two national titles.

My Providence College teammates and I witnessed the second title game in St. Louis, having just lost to Memphis State in the semifinal after Marvin Barnes hyperextended his knee. In that 1973 Championship game against Memphis State, Bill scored 44 points, making 21 of 22 shots. This remains the highest point total in a Division I Championship game, and his field goal percentage in that game is the highest ever for a Division I player with at least 20 shots.

Walton's first collegiate loss came in the 14th game of his senior year, ending an amazing 88-game winning streak at Notre Dame. Including his last two years of high school, his undefeated freshman season, and his first two undefeated Varsity seasons at UCLA, Walton had a personal 142-win streak.

I also had a front-row seat watching him lead Portland to a Championship in 1977. As a pro, when healthy, he approached the game like Bill Russell—dominating rebounds, blocking shots, and being a major facilitator on offense, often scoring within the flow of the game rather than from set plays.

I got to know Bill personally during a training camp with the then San Diego Clippers. The first part of the camp was in a remote desert location east of San Diego. As we were preparing to return to San Diego for the remaining camp and exhibition season, Bill invited me to stay at his house instead of a hotel. I couldn't refuse. Years later, I remember him extending the same generosity to Marvin Barnes during his struggles with addiction, encouraging Marvin while they worked out together in preparation for Bill's 1986 Championship season with Boston.

I recall driving from the desert to his home, a two to three-hour journey. Bill was fascinated with my experiences at the Celtics, asking about Red Auerbach, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, Paul Silas, Jo Jo White, and more. He was searching for camaraderie and success similar to what he experienced at UCLA, and I was thrilled for him when he played with Larry Bird and won a Championship in 1986.

A quick side story—during an exhibition game in Oakland, Bill had arranged a limo and backstage passes for a Gerry Garcia concert in San Francisco. Unfortunately, he reinjured his foot that night, and it never happened. I'll never forget his look of disappointment and despondence as he faced yet another injury.

Years later, when Bill came to Rhode Island for a speaking engagement, he visited my small Irish/sports bar, Mudville Pub, in Newport. He spent hours graciously signing autographs and engaging with everyone who approached him.

We kept in touch over the years, often meeting at games he was broadcasting or calling around Draft time for his opinions on prospects, especially in the PAC 12. The last time I saw him was by chance in a sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City. Despite his towering frame, he was squeezed into a counter, and we had a great catch-up conversation. He insisted on picking up the tab that night, and I regret I'll never get the chance to return the favor.

Bill Walton was the best basketball player I ever saw when healthy, but more importantly, he was one of the most sincere and genuine people I've ever met. I'll miss being able to pick up the phone and call an old friend.