Walton was known as one of the most outspoken and charismatic figures in the sports world. He played for coach John Wooden and led the Bruins to back-to-back NCAA titles as a sophomore (1972) and junior (1973) before playing for the Portland Trailblazers, Clippers and Boston Celtics in the NBA (1974-87).
Bill Walton, UCLA great, NBA Hall of Famer, broadcasting star, dies at age 71
Here’s how Walton’s colleagues and fans, among others, reacted to the news:
UCLA mourns the passing of two-time NCAA champion Bill Walton, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee (1993) and charter member of the @UCLAAthletics Hall of Fame (1984).
𝑰𝑵 𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑴: https://t.co/VwZwd9uVDs pic.twitter.com/6GrCWvplK7
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) May 27, 2024
Today I had to say goodbye to
a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgY— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 27, 2024
No, Bill. Thank you for your life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LCRvs4XlJ
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) May 27, 2024
Was on family walk when my son told me news of Bill’s passing, had to stop and put hands on my knees, those who know me know how much I loved Bill, my first sports hero along with Jerry West, first saw him play when I was 11 and he was at UCLA in ‘72, winning two titles…cont.
— Mike from the OC (@MikefromOC) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.
2x NCAA Champion
2x NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
3x National College Player of the Year
3x First-Team All American
1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame InducteeA legend of the game forever. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
I’m going to miss Bill Walton…his humor, infectious smile, zest for life etc. We missed playing @MarchMadnessMBB against each other @GopherMBB during his @UCLA championship years as we got eliminated before a head to head matchup. #RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/IrtODQvzsE
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was an ICONIC sportscaster
here is a clip of some of his funniest moments on the mic:
REST IN PEACE, LEGEND 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/0i3p6QqV18
— Degenerate George (@DGen_Media) May 27, 2024
RIP to a legend and a Bruin Great! Conference of Champions!!! pic.twitter.com/bHf8NUKZuZ
— Keisean Lucier-South (@KLSouth11) May 27, 2024
Devastated to hear the news of Bill Walton passing. He was always so kind to my family. My dad went to UCLA with him and always had great stories as they rehabbed sports injuries together. RIP Bill, doing an 8 clap for you 👏🏻🩵💛 @UCLA_Alumni ties that bind! We will miss you,… pic.twitter.com/T605C6WHDz
— Marina Jurica (@MJuricaCBS47) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/eg4dl9MDQW
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) May 27, 2024
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
Two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71. @nba #nba @UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB #billwalton @celtics #celtics #champion #trailblazers #clippers @SGVNSports @JHWreporter pic.twitter.com/EWC1IjLTPF
— Keith Birmingham (@photowkb) May 27, 2024
Heartbroken 💔 to hear that Bill has gone home to the Lord🙏🏽He had a unique ability to always make you feel energized when in his orbit and erudite afterwards. Bill was 💯organic. Caring teammate. It was a highlight to work with him. Praying for his wife Lori & his family ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/U2kKwhhjSE
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) May 27, 2024
Like butter pic.twitter.com/HPH4Sb4wrB
— ReasonForTheHope (@MacJW) May 27, 2024
Crushed to hear of Bill Walton’s passing. He was a legend and larger than life in every way. His passionate curiosity and kindness were so rare and made him a joy to work with. My heart goes out to his wonderful family and beautiful wife, Lori. May the conference of champions… pic.twitter.com/zxdFK2WxSi
— Molly McGrath (@MollyAMcGrath) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was truly a national treasure pic.twitter.com/oHJMaSRDTk
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) May 27, 2024
One of our favorite Bill Walton memories 😆 RIP to the hilarious big man (via @espn) @DavePasch pic.twitter.com/mztN8m2rSD
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) May 27, 2024
Today we mourn the passing of legendary Hall of Famer Bill Walton. He was a true friend to the Hall and a persistent champion for what the sport can accomplish in the lives of those who play.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Bill’s contributions to the NBA and… pic.twitter.com/E96su9O9fJ
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) May 27, 2024
“I’m the luckiest dude in the world.”
- Bill Walton ☮️❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Z9qSP2rW8b
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 27, 2024
4s Up for our family ✊🏾 https://t.co/olDDVLkvhB
— Dylan Andrews (@dylan_andrews4) May 27, 2024
Fight On Forever… https://t.co/K22tsxg5DI pic.twitter.com/QRwiwabRm4
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) May 27, 2024
RIP to a true legend and one of a kind personality, Bill Walton.
We know Bill’s legacy will continue to Shine On! pic.twitter.com/CQsROEET1D
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) May 27, 2024
A singular icon of the game & an ambassador for Cal, the @Pac12 & all of basketball. Our hearts are with the family & friends of Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/yTS49xRVjQ
— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) May 27, 2024
We were all the luckiest in the world to be around one of the greatest ambassadors to the game of basketball, Bill Walton.
Bill's exuberant spirit was a gift each and every time he visited UW and he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/dYUMtoxLwk
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill. Whether making precise outlet passes 2 ignite a fast break, bicycling, reading, broadcasting, standing up 4 those in need, sharing wine & stories, dancing under stars on Grateful Dead tours or expressing luv 4 Lori & your children YOU WERE ALWAYS FULLY ENGAGED IN LIFE💙 pic.twitter.com/h0UWwC3ljJ
— Steve Lavin (@SteveLavin64) May 27, 2024
RELATED
Bill Walton, UCLA great, NBA Hall of Famer, broadcasting star, dies at age 71