Walton died on Monday after a long battle with cancer in recent years. He was 71.
The announcement brought forth an outpouring of sorrow, but also joy for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer whose glee for life and basketball was so great that a 2023 ESPN documentary on him was titled “The Luckiest Guy in the World.”
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
There were many official remembrances from his career as one of the greatest college basketball players ever at UCLA, and his professional career that, while limited by injuries, included an NBA MVP award and two championships.
Remembering 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧, in photos.
Paying tribute to an iconic UCLA graduate, proud alumnus and friend to so many.
💙📸: https://t.co/e8D6prpsMm pic.twitter.com/DOoHPKyVVv
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) May 28, 2024
Plenty of other big names, both in and out of the sports world, took time to honor Walton on Monday, including former President Barack Obama.
Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play. He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his passing, and Michelle and I send our deepest…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 27, 2024
