The basketball world is in mourning following the death of legendary commentator and player Bill Walton at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
Walton was one of the greatest centers in the history of the sport, and by far one of the best 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 three consecutive national titles at UCLA.
But to a younger generation of fans, Walton is best known for his on-air personality and his antics covering college basketball.
He is best associated with the Pac-12 Conference, which played its final athletics meet yesterday before 10 of the 12 schools left, effectively killing the league.
Tribute videos have arrived featuring highlights from late commentator Bill Walton (L)
Walton, an NBA Hall of Fame center, died Monday at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer
Walton’s bombastic, idiosyncratic and larger-than-life personality was on full display almost every time he stepped behind the microphone on radio or television.
That he got there at all was a miracle after he overcame a stuttering problem at age 28 with the help of Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Marty Glickman.
After retiring, Walton worked for CBS, NBC, ESPN and the Pac-12 Network, as well as multiple NBA teams.
In the aftermath of his death, multiple compilation videos showcased some of the best of his broadcasts.
Walton was known for his eccentricities, as well as his love of the Grateful Dead and his affinity for tie-dye shirts.
He wore those shirts several times during broadcasts – and even took one off and went bare-chested live on air while changing into another.
Walton also drew conclusions about his drug use. He once talked about the benefits of mushrooms, telling ex-White Sox announcer Jason Benetti that he isn’t a good baseball catcher because he became “better at high than he was at low.”
Walton once ate a cupcake live on camera and even ate a lit candle
He also had a light-hearted side: He gave popcorn to the Oregon Ducks mascot
Walton (left) overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone and won a Sports Emmy in 1991
He also famously ate a cupcake with a lit candle inside – much to the horror of his longtime on-air partner Dave Pasch.
Pasch also received many gifts from Walton – as seen in the videos – whether it was dirt from Temeculah, various plants or chocolates thrown at him.
Walton even once threw popcorn on Pasch’s head at the University of Oregon before feeding the snack to the costumed Oregon Ducks mascot.
Among the many tributes was 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 all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams.
“Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to the broadcasts, providing 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 is his zest for life. He was a regular at competitive events – always cheerful, smiling from ear to ear and seeking his wisdom and warmth.
‘I cherished our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took for everyone he encountered.
“Bill has been a beloved member of the NBA family for fifty years and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
“My sincere condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.’