The basketball world is in mourning after the death of legendary commentator and player Bill Walton at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.
Walton was one of the greatest centers in the history of the game and by far one of the best overall college basketball players in the history of the sport.
He won two NBA championships: one in 1977 with the Portland Trail Blazers and again in 1986 with the Boston Celtics. That came after winning back-to-back national collegiate titles at UCLA.
But to a younger generation of fans, Walton is best known for his on-air personality and his antics when covering college basketball.
It is best associated with the Pac-12 Conference, which played its final athletic contest yesterday before ten of the 12 schools left, essentially ending the league.
Tribute videos have emerged showing highlights of late commentator Bill Walton (left)
NBA Hall of Fame center Walton died Monday at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
Walton’s bombastic, quirky, larger-than-life personality was on full display almost every time he stepped behind the microphone on radio or television.
That he got there was miraculous after he overcame a stuttering problem at the age of 28 with the help of Hall of Fame sportscaster Marty Glickman.
After retiring from playing, Walton worked for CBS, NBC, ESPN and the Pac-12 Network, as well as several NBA teams.
In the wake of his death, multiple compilation videos showed some of the best of his broadcasts.
Walton was known for his eccentricities, such as his love of the Grateful Dead and his affinity for tie-dyed shirts.
He wore those shirts several times on broadcasts, and even took off one and went on air bare-chested while putting on another.
Walton also made inferences about his drug use, once discussing the benefits of mushrooms and telling former White Sox announcer Jason Benetti that he is not a good baseball catcher because he was “better high than low.”
Walton once ate a cupcake live on camera, and even ate a lit candle in the process.
He also had a cheerful side: he was seen feeding popcorn to the Oregon Ducks mascot.
Walton (left) overcame a stutter to thrive in front of the microphone and won a Sports Emmy in 1991.
He also famously ate a cupcake while a candle was lit in it, much to the surprise of his former on-air partner, Dave Pasch.
Pasch also received many gifts from Walton, as seen in the videos, whether it was soil from Temeculah, various plants or chocolates that were thrown at him.
Walton even once dumped popcorn over Pasch’s head at the University of Oregon before giving the treat to the costumed Oregon Ducks mascot.
Among the many tributes included one from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “Bill Walton was truly one of a kind.
‘As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique and versatile skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to regular season and NBA Finals MVPs, two NBA championships, and a spot on the 50th and 75th teams. NBA anniversary.
‘Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans.
Walton is survived by his wife Lori (above) and his four sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.
‘But what I will remember most about him was his enthusiasm for life. He was a regular presence at league events: always upbeat, smiling from ear to ear and seeking to share his wisdom and warmth.
‘I appreciated our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he devoted to each person he met.
“As a beloved member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all who came to know and love him.
‘My deepest condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; her sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.
