2x NBA CHAMPION. Wooden said Walton is the best center he had ever seen in throwing outlet passes. Walton reportedly agreed to a seven-year, $7 million contract. Nonetheless, he was one of the greatest college basketball players in history. 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. Walton was not swayed. . [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. Portland, concerned that Walton was injury-prone, traded him to the San Diego Clippers after the 197879 season. In April 2019, Luke Walton was named head coach of the Sacramento Kings. I'm in charge here.' [106], Walton maintained a close lifetime friendship with Coach John Wooden, visiting him often. Bill Walton, a three-time National Player of the Year and a key member in UCLA's dynasty under John Wooden, was one of the greatest men's college basketball players ever. 1977 NBA Finals MVP. Walton scored in a variety of ways against Memphis State. "[36], UCLA finished 264 and 122 in the Pac 8 Conference, with Walton playing alongside Keith Wilkes, David Myers, and Marques Johnson. William Theodore Walton III Twitter: BillWalton (Big Red, Grateful Red, Red Baron, Redwood, Chief) Position: Center Shoots: Right 6-11, 210lb (211cm, 95kg) . "[49], Walton led the NBA in both rebounds per game (14.4) and blocked shots per game (3.2) as he was selected to the NBA All-Star Game, but did not participate due to an injury. He then limped off the floor, receiving an ovation from the 19,301 fans. Walton once had a triple-double against SMU with 25 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. I looked up at him with the sad, soft eyes of a young man who just wanted one more chance. Walton knows alot of basketball but doesn't beat you over the head with his "basketball knowledge" I'd rather hear Walton go off script than hear Jay Bilas say "horn set" 500 times a game. Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1974 NBA Draft, Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 1993 (Full List), More Bill Walton pages at Sports Reference. Bill Walton averages for the NBA season and Playoffs, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and other categories, year by year and career numbers. In 2018, Walton received the CoSIDA Dick Enberg Award. In 1971-72, the Walton Gang went 30-0 and had only two games settled by single digits. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions. Or write about sports? [11][46], Walton overcame a stuttering problem at age 28 with the help of Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Glickman, after a lengthy conversation between the two at an event. He also set the single-tournament mark by shooting 76.3 percent (45 of 59) in 1973. Born: March 28, 1980 in San Diego, California us Relatives: Father Bill Walton. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? 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. The Trail Blazers with Geoff Petrie, Sidney Wicks, and LaRue Martin finished 3844 under player/coach Lenny Wilkens. He became the only player to have won an NBA Finals MVP, Sixth Man Award, and regular season MVP. . The team leader on defense, Walton was a superb rebounder and outlet passer to start the fast break. The varsity UCLA team, led by seniors Sidney Wicks, Curtis Rowe, and Steve Patterson defeated Villanova in the 1971 NCAA Championship Game for UCLA's 5th consecutive NCAA title. UCLA's 1971-72 squad quickly became nicknamed "Walton's Gang," in honor of the 6-11 sophomore. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Bartow added, "I felt very good at halftime, very good. "I was a skinny, scrawny guy. I've got a new knee. Center His career averages were 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 468 regular season games. He did not get his wish and sat out the entire 1979 season in protest. We couldn't let him dominate the game. [28][27], In the 1973 NCAA title game against Memphis State, Walton had arguably the best individual performance in an NCAA championship game, which was the first held on Monday night. Dressed in blue jeans, white basketball shoes and a Carlos Santana T-shirt, Walton's busy telling students about March 15, 1990. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Rocket players learned that to get into the Helix gym they could call the teenage Walton, who had his own gym key. Here is the Week 1 ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll, released Feb. 14. [42], In 1974, the ABA's San Diego Conquistadors tried to persuade Walton to sign with them, after drafting him in the 1974 ABA draft. Walton's most famous college performance was a 44-point outburst in the 1973 NCAA tournament national championship against Memphis State, when he made 21-of-22 field goal attempts. Walton ignored doctors who said he would never play again and underwent surgery to restructure his left foot in 1981. Despite a career as an NBA player marred by injuries, he won an NBA MVP, an NBA Finals MVP, and a pair of titles. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Walton spent the 198788 season on the Celtics' injured list. He could not walk to the hospital. He currently is a college assistant coach at San Diego Mesa College. He passes. Bill Walton was one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. Walton was named the 1972 NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player. Walton was named the NCAA player of the year in three consecutive seasons (197274). 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. I've got a new spine. Thank you Boston Celtics. "[75], Said Walton reflecting on his career: "I loved basketball. Walton, who missed a 12-foot shot off an inbounds pass to win the game as time expired, finished with 24 points and nine rebounds. "Of which I had no interest in doing", Walton said. We got the basketball legend just days after MJ was crowned king of . I mean, we were good from top to bottom. Everything that Coach Wooden told us eventually came true. [25], Walton was the 1973 recipient of the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States. So we had no real idea how fragile everything was. Born: November 5, 1952 in La Mesa, California us Relatives: Son Luke Walton. At age 32, Walton wished to move to a winning franchise and reached out to teams after the season ended in 1985. "[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. Right, Born: Walton scored 20 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the clinching Game 6 victory,[54][49] and was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player with averages of 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.7 blocks,[49][54] which prompted Philadelphia 76ers coach Gene Shue to comment after the series: "Bill Walton is the best player for a big man who ever played the game of basketball. Following his retirement, he became an outspoken analyst on NBA television broadcasts. Shoots: On the black day in 1974 against North Carolina State, he produced 29 . [81], Walton frequently works alongside Dave Pasch while calling Pac-12 games. Updates? Find out more. Then I joined the NBA. UCLA was leading 7059 with 3 minutes remaining. In the Nuggets series Walton averaged 17.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 3.0 blocks. [19], Beginning in elementary and high school, Walton had loyally followed UCLA's basketball team on the radio. That's the best team I've ever been on, no question about that. We already had a pretty good team, and I think adding him and (Jerry) Sichting really helped us. Career Stats. He only played in ten games during the season. After steadily improving his game, he led the Trail Blazers in 1977 to their first NBA championship. Walton averaged 8.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 19 minutes, in helping the Celtics win the championship. He averaged 18.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.2 blocks and Portland finished 4933. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. "But then I would want to play another one. [37], In the 25 team 1974 NCAA tournament, UCLA defeated Dayton 111100, in a game where Walton had 27 points and 19 rebounds. Center Bill Walton was an absolute monster during his three-year stretch at UCLA in the '70s. It is a stain and stigma on my soul that is indelible. [21], After Walton initially refused to cut his hair as an incoming freshman, Coach Wooden told Walton "we'll miss you." [14], "I had no problem with him during the season", Wooden said of Walton's college days. [88][89], Walton resides in his hometown of San Diego with his wife Lori (m. 1991). Walton played 50 minutes and scored 29 points, adding 18 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss. Walton was injured again in the 198687 regular season, but returned in time for the 1987 playoffs. [11], Before his sophomore season, Walton underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage on his left knee. I regret the circumstances in which I left the Portland Trail Blazers family. It was just a nightmare. He was recruited by many colleges, but quickly accepted UCLA's scholarship offer to play basketball for the Bruins and Coach Wooden. [10], During his sophomore year of high school (age 1516), Walton grew from 6ft 1in (1.85m) to 6ft 7in (2.01m). [24], Overall, in 30 games in 197172, Walton averaged 21.1 points and 15.5 rebounds, shooting 64.0% from the field. [67][68] He attempted a comeback in February 1990, but injuries intervened and he retired as a player. He and his first wife, Susie, had four sons: Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris. He has hosted several podcasts and satellite radio programs featuring the music of the Grateful Dead. . [104], Walton's sister Cathy was an outstanding youth swimmer and played some basketball at the University of California. The Clippers never finished near .500 or made the playoffs in his tenure with the franchise. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Enter your information to receive emails about offers, promotions from NCAA.com and our partners. 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. He played college basketball for coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins, winning three consecutive national college player of the year awards (19721974), while leading UCLA to NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973 and an 88-game winning streak. Walton appeared in the premiere of the third season in the reality TV show Shark Tank on January 20, 2012, where he helped to sell the "Clean Bottle", a water bottle that unscrews at both ends for easier cleaning.[121][122]. Look at his feet. "Off the floor I worried. Bill Walton was born on November 5, 1952. Staying relatively healthy, Walton became an integral component of an already talented Celtics team and, in a reserve role, helped Boston win the NBA title in 1986. [7] Coach Graciano "made it [basketball] fun and really emphasized the joy of playing the team game", said Walton. I found a safe place in life in basketball. They were basketball teammates in high school. He also won the national . [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. "[8], "When they would begin to rough up Bill, I would look at coach and he would give me a nod", recalled Bruce. 3. When UCLA led Memphis State 35-30, Walton wasn't that far behind the Tigers with his individual point total of 20. Walton then suffered a broken foot, ending his regular season. [93][94] Luke was the head coach of the Lakers (20162019), after two years as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors. The UCLANorth Carolina State game was No. 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 He has been highly successful in the oil business. "[107], On Walton's desk sits a message to him from Coach Wooden: "To Bill Walton, it's the things you learn after you know it all that count. Your Account Logout Login Create Account MENU Players Schools Years Leaders CFB Scores Bowls Play Index Newsletter Other than that, it was all fine. "[72], In the men's basketball final, the United States controversially lost to the Soviet Union 5150, finishing in second place. [37] He was named 1st Team All-American alongside Marvin Barnes of Providence, John Shumate of Notre Dame, David Thompson of North Carolina State, and teammate Wilkes of UCLA. Look at his face. 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. "[36], UCLA had to come back and play in the NCAA 3rd place game, in which they eventually defeated Kansas. Helix in La Mesa, California, Draft: [62] In the Eastern Conference Finals 40 sweep against the Milwaukee Bucks, Walton averaged 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18 minutes. He rung up 2,402 points over his collegiate career and was selected as an All-American three times. "He would simply get too tired", recalled Nash. 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. Perhaps, I've never had a better team when you consider both offense and defense. According to Russian sports historian Robert Edelman, "when (the Soviets) saw who was and wasn't on the U.S. team, that's when they started feeling like they'd actually have a chance. Join our linker program. Before the injuries hampered his professional career, Bill Walton dominated college basketball. He is a graduate of Indiana University. Bruce and I are the only brother combination in history to ever play in the Super Bowl and to win the NBA championship. "[73], Coach Jack Ramsay, in 2010, called Walton the best Portland Trail Blazer, "hands down no question", Ramsay said. Bill Walton attended Helix in La Mesa, California and UCLA. Bill Walton was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1993 (Full List) The Portland Trail Blazers selected Walton with the first pick in the first round of the 1974 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft. William Theodore Walton III (born November 5, 1952) is an American television sportscaster and former professional basketball player. Some college basketball historians rate Walton as the greatest who ever played at the college level. Bill Walton probably had one of the best games anybody ever had in the history of college basketball."[33]. He was raised with siblings Bruce, Cathy and Andy. And to me it was frustrating because I finally had a great team and a great player and it was all coming apart. Bill Walton led the Bruins to two consecutive 300 seasons and the NCAA men's basketball record 88-game winning streak. His listed adult playing height was 6ft 11in (2.11m); it has been reported that Walton is actually taller (7ft 2in (2.18m) or more), but does not like being categorized as a seven-footer. His career was rehabilitated during two seasons with the Boston Celtics at the end of his career. Walton averaged 29 points and 25 rebounds, as Helix finished 330 in his senior season. He creates so many problems. I worried when he was thrown in jail with the group that took over the administration building, I worried when he stopped traffic on Wilshire Boulevard, and when he interrupted classes giving his views on the Vietnam War. Twitter: Bill Walton III Position: Center 6-11 , 210lb (211cm, 95kg) School: UCLA (Men) Draft: Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1974 NBA draft 2x NCAA Champion 3x NCAA All-Tourney 3x NCAA All-Region 2x NCAA Tourney MOP HS Parade AA 2x AP POY 3x Consensus AA 3x Naismith Award 3x Rupp Trophy SUMMARY Career G 87 PTS 20.3 TRB 15.7 AST With Walton playing alongside Henry Bibby, Larry Farmer, Wilkes, Lee, and Swen Nater, UCLA finished 140 in the Pac 8 Conference. (Bill Walton had attended Stanford Law School for two years while with the Clippers, but never graduated.) He played 20 minutes in his last game for UCLA and Coach Wooden. "When that happened, he'd tell me and I'd take him out. We've got a game.' "Walton has averaged 21.3 points per game and 15.5 rebounds per game, despite riding the bench much of the time after the starters had built insurmountable leads," wrote The Daily Herald's sports editor Joe Watts. As was his belief, Wooden did not call time-outs late in games and stuck with the strategy. It's true that Bill's game, even when he was healthy, was never about flash. Two titanium rods and four four-inch bolts were inserted in his back. "[10], Walton's struggle with injury and pain began while at Helix High School, where he broke an ankle, a leg, several bones in his feet, and underwent knee surgery. He earned an Emmy Award in 1991. Career High Seasons: 18.9 points (1977-78),. "Injuries [he missed games with a bad back]. William T. "Bill" Walton. [10], Walton's ankle problems became so severe that he had both his ankles surgically fused. American basketball player and sportscaster, First championship and Finals MVP (19761977), Second championship and sixth man award (19851986), Injury-plagued final playing year (19861987), 1972 Official Collegiate Basketball Guide, College Athletics Publishing Service, 1971, UCLA Bruins men's basketball 197172 NCAA champions, UCLA Bruins men's basketball 197273 NCAA champions, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, Unconditional Honor: Wounded Warriors and their Dogs, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Helms Foundation College Player of the Year, National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, List of National Basketball Association annual rebounding leaders, List of National Basketball Association annual blocks leaders, List of National Basketball Association career playoff rebounding leaders, "ON PRO BASKETBALL; Feet of Dancer, Touch of Surgeon, and a Shot, Too", "Bill Walton comes back from injury an enlightened man", "UCLA's superstar feeds their fast break and feasts on their foes", "Lex Nihil Novi: Bruce Walton had Bill's Back in High School", "Walton blames self for Clippers' San Diego exit", "ESPN Classic Walton weathered injuries to win titles", "Record Book Result - Most Field Goals Made - Percentage - Season (Minimum 400 Attempts)", National Federation of State High School Associations, "Record Book Result - Most Rebounds - Season", "Record Book Result - Most Rebounds - Per Game - Season (Minimum 15 Games)", "NBA.com: Walton, Lucas Ignite 'Blazermania', "The Thing Bill Walton Still Can't Forgive Himself For", "Bill Walton is finally feeling like himself again", "NCAA College Basketball AP All-America Teams", "The 100 Greatest Moments in Sports History Almost Perfect", "Best individual title game performances", "John Wooden retrospective: Gene Bartow says he was the best teacher in history", "Bill Walton wants to be more than a cardboard cutout", "Led by Bill Walton, UCLA won 88 straight games", "40 years later Bill Walton still aches - NCAA.com", Greatest 63 games in NCAA Tournament history, "NCAA Basketball Tourney History - CBS SportsLine.com", "Bill Walton scorches Memphis State in record-setting title game", "Bill Walton Past Stats, Playoff Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards", "197475 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats", "197576 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats", "ESPN Classic '77 Blazers: A special team in a special time", "197677 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats", "1977 NBA Western Conference First Round Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers", "1977 NBA Western Conference Finals Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers", "1977 NBA Finals Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers", "197778 Portland Trail Blazers Roster and Stats", "Bill Walton tells the story of how he ended up with the Celtics", "198586 Boston Celtics Roster and Stats", "1986 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics", "1986 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics", "1986 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics", "1986 NBA Finals Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics", "Bulpett: 30 years later "86 Celtics still a team for ages", "Robert Parish prefers to leave the glory behind The Boston Globe", "USA Basketball: Men's World Championship Team History 1970", "10 Things You May Not Know About U.S. Basketball's Shocking 1972 Olympics Loss", "Three seconds that turned hoop world upside down", "Jack Ramsay: Bill Walton was the best Blazer", "A tearful Bill Walton says he's ready to make amends with Portland", "Bill Walton: 'I wish I could have done more' for the Trail Blazers", "Hiestand: Bill Walton talks about his return to ESPN", "NBA.com: BILL WALTON'S LONG STRANGE TRIP", "Bill Walton talked about Bob Dylan on air for 3 whole minutes of a basketball game", Dogs and cats, living together: Bill Walton's 'Ghostbusters' claim apparently is true, "Bill Walton hosts Grateful Dead radio show", "Bill Walton Selected for Distinguished CoSIDA Dick Enberg Award", "Lori Matsuoka ESPN Bill Walton's Wife (Bio, Wiki)", "Byron Scott and Luke Walton Join Time Warner Cable SportsNet", "Luke Walton brings passion, 'same soul' as new coach of Vlade Divac's Kings", "Bill Walton feels lucky to have Blazers honor his 1977 NBA champs in front of Lakers, Luke Walton", "Chris Walton Player Profile, San Diego State, NCAA Stats, Game Logs, Bests, Awards RealGM", "Westar Associates Hires Walton as Vice President of Leasing For Retail Portfolio", "How Bill Walton's Son Nate Made $1 Billion In The Oil Patch", "Bruce Walton on his brother Bill and football", "Walton talks about painful periods in life, Wooden, NBA finals", "Sport: Walton: Basketball's Vegetarian Tiger", "Bill Walton remembers his friend, coach", "Bill Walton has seen the Dead 850+ times", "The strange story of Grateful Dead's path to the summer's hottest ticket", "Grateful Red Bill Walton Shares Strange Journey | the Official Site of the Phoenix Suns", "Basketball legend and very tall Deadhead Bill Walton to write a book", "World's tallest Deadhead can't contain his excitement", "Basketball Legend Bill Walton and Kesey's Merry Pranksters Visit UO Libraries SCUA", "Hardcover Nonfiction Books Best Sellers Books April 17, 2016", "Author To Lecture And Sign Book About Wounded Warriors And Their Dogs", "NBA Legend Bill Walton's Career Advice: 'You Cannot Finish Unless You Start', "Meet The Goldman Alum Who Got Basketball Legend Bill Walton To Become His Company's 'Biggest' Fan", "San Diego Hall of Champions Bill Walton", "The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:: Bill Walton", "Bill Walton Basketball | Oregon Sports Hall of Fame & Museum", "Speaker Bill Walton | Basketball Legend, Broadcaster & Humanitarian", "Grateful Dead show gratitude to Bill Walton", "UCLA Bruin legend Bill Walton gets statue at San Diego Park", "Native La Mesan, Hall of Famer Bill Walton has Gymnasium Named After Him", Wayland Baptist Women's Teams (19481982), NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, Naismith Men's College Player of the Year, Associated Press Men's College Basketball Player of the Year, UPI College Basketball Player of the Year Award, Helms Foundation College Basketball Player of the Year, 1972 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, 1973 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, 1974 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Walton&oldid=1141695134, All-American college men's basketball players, College basketball announcers in the United States, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association broadcasters, National Basketball Association players with retired numbers, Parade High School All-Americans (boys' basketball), Sportspeople from San Diego County, California, United States men's national 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