LOS ANGELES — The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will pay tribute to the late Bill Walton, who played an instrumental role in securing back-to-back national championships for the Bruins in 1972 and 1973. This commemoration will occur during the men’s basketball game against Ohio State on February 23. Walton, who passed away from cancer in May at the age of 71, will be celebrated for his profound impact on the program and the sport as a whole.
During the halftime ceremony and throughout the game at Pauley Pavilion, the university is set to honor Walton’s legacy. Fans attending the game will be given a special commemorative poster that highlights Walton’s contributions to the game and his life. Moreover, students in attendance will receive tie-dyed T-shirts as a tribute to Walton’s long-standing connection with the Grateful Dead, a band he was known to admire deeply.
Men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin expressed his sentiments regarding Walton’s absence as the new season begins, stating, “It’s a difficult reality to know we’re getting ready to start a basketball season in Westwood without Bill’s presence. He will forever be an icon in our great game, and his memory will forever live on at UCLA.”
Walton, a three-time Academic All-American, served as the starting center for the Bruins from 1972 to 1974 under the legendary coach John Wooden. Throughout his collegiate career, Walton helped lead UCLA to an impressive record of 86 wins against only 4 losses, culminating in flawless seasons of 30-0 in both 1972 and 1973.
In addition to his playing career, Walton remained closely connected to the program as a television broadcaster for UCLA men’s games and often engaged with current players and the coaching staff, including Coach Cronin.
The matchup against Ohio State will be broadcast live nationally on CBS, allowing a wide audience to witness this heartfelt tribute to a basketball legend. Bill Walton’s legacy, marked by his achievements and his spirit, will be fervently celebrated by fans, players, and the broader community.