Catherine Rusoff
Bill Walton, the dominant NBA big man who won three college titles and two NBA championships and who later had a successful career in broadcasting, has died, the N.B.A. announced on Monday. He was 71 years old.
Walton died after a prolonged battle with cancer, the league said. He was surrounded by his family.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique versatile skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to a regular season and NBA Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot in the 50th and NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.”
/Getty Images
Walton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and led the team to its only NBA title in 1977. Named league MVP in 1977-78 and Sixth Man of the Year in 1985, at age 86, Walton won another title in 1986 as a member of the Boston Celtics.
Before that, Walton was a two-time and three-time national player of the year at UCLA, where he played for legendary coach John Wooden.
“On behalf of everyone at the UCLA men’s basketball program, we are deeply saddened to learn of Bill Walton’s passing,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said in a statement. declarationadding: “In addition to his notable achievements as a player, it is his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger-than-life personality.”
After his playing career, Walton became a sportscaster known for his colorful commentary, which often included catchphrases and hyperbole.
“Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary that has entertained generations of basketball fans,” Silver said. “But what I will remember most about him was his zest 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 valued our close friendship, envied his boundless energy . and admired the time he spent with each person he met.”
Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
This is breaking news and will be updated.
mae png
giga loterias
uol pro mail
pro brazilian
camisas growth
700 euro em reais
