RIP Bill Walton

[ceharv]

One of a kind in many ways.

[ncbonnie69]

Probably the second best center to ever play for UCLA. No brainer. He was his own person his entire life. Typified the west coast/California mindset and lifestyle. He was one hell of a ball player whose career was cut short by his foot problems. When he arrived in Portland out of school they instantly became top contenders.

[faffy444]

if anyone has any qualms about how great a player he was all you need to do is take a look at the 1973 NCAA championship game against a terrific MEMPHIS STATE team. it was a performance for the ages !

[gregmitch70]

Fyi, new article at Bona-produced TAP Into Olean on Bona game vs. Walton in '73 where I am quoted along with fellow SBU Jandoli "Wall of Famers" Mike Vaccaro and Chris LaPlaca, along with Mike Lindsley and Bona player Tom Harrison.

www.tapinto.net/towns/greater-olean/sections/sports/articles/bonnies-recall-interactions-with-bill-walton

[ceharv]

Ah yes, that disaster of a game at Pauley Pavilion. The story I recall is that a nearly McDonalds ran a promotion that if the Bruins won a home game by 20, all ticket holders were eligible for a free Burger, by 20 a burger and fries and that at that game by mid-way through the first half the students were chanting “Big Mac, Big Mac.” I think they got their wish.

[ewenke13]

May 28, 2024 16:42:22 GMT -5 ceharv said:

Ah yes, that disaster of a game at Pauley Pavilion. The story I recall is that a nearly McDonalds ran a promotion that if the Bruins won a home game by 20, all ticket holders were eligible for a free Burger, by 20 a burger and fries and that at that game by mid-way through the first half the students were chanting “Big Mac, Big Mac.” I think they got their wish.

I was listening to the Dan Patrick show on Monday. A caller dialed in claiming to be a former student at UCLA, a year under Walton’s class. He stated that when the Bruins put up 90, McD’s offered a free pop. 95+ was free fries and pop. 100+ was free burger, fries and pop.

Side note: I met Bill Walton at my former employer. He gave a great motivational speech, even though the analogy was a bit of a stretch, he still captivated his office. He was an avid cyclist. After taking a picture with him and briefly discussing my profession, he asked for a weather forecast for an upcoming bike ride he had (they like to know ahead of time when to expect headwinds and tailwinds). After the event, he graciously reached back out thanking me for the forecast and praising its accuracy. Great person!