RIP Bill Walton, the truest free spirit in the history of the game
He'll always be a huge part of Irish lore thanks to our ending his streak.
Link: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40229031/nba-champion-hall-famer-bill-walton-dies-71
Replies to: RIP Bill Walton, the truest free spirit in the history of the game
Re: Greatest NBA of all time, 85-86 Celtics, with Walton playing 80 games as the sixth man. Walton
said it was the most fun he ever had playing.
IMO he and Wilt were the two most athletic centers ever but Bill's body control in the center
position was even better. His career was magnificent though obviously too short. He was the Sandy Koufax of basketball as far as career analysis goes in regard to injury. I loved listening to him when he did a college game. Ultimate team center but could take over if it was needed. His Portland team was not as talented the year they won the title but Bill's play and Jack Ramsay coaching allowed it to get done.
The Portland team offered Walton the key ingredient for success....
And that was an absolute beast power forward...Maurice Lucas. Lucas was a monster defender, had a good offensive game and was the perfect complement to and enforcer for Walton. He was a stud center himself for Al McGuire's Marquette Warriors. The guard play, while not spectacular was very solid with Lionel Hollins, Dave Twardzik and Johnny Davis.
One of the most athletic centers of the time and most tenacious was Bill Russell. My father went to USF with Russell. As a freshman, Russell could hardly jump and the coaching staff would spend extra time at the end of practices with jumping and rebounding drills. By his senior year he was the NCAA high jump champion whose record stood for many years.
I was at the game when Digger and his guys broke the UCLA winning streak. This was an Irish team that a few years earlier held the ball against the Bruins while behind by 50 points...the 6-20 first year. The Big Shu held his own against Walton.
I loved Wilt but you may be right,,
Philly led that series, 2-0
Bill Walton and Notre Dame are forever tied together. He was an incredible
person in sport and life. Rest in Peace Bill.
In the end... his personality was bigger than his game, which was once the greatest on the hardcourt
I believe he actually grew to appreciate the school of our lady.
Link: https://www.ndinsider.com/story/sports/mens-basketball/2024/05/27/bill-walton-and-ucla-will-forever-be-tied-to-notre-dame-in-college-basketball-history/73870854007/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR11VF3vWX0m2xMc1MacljxJQ0Bcf0zZWYUvdDyevywW5yJz9JfOUvWqjVQ_aem_A
God rest that beautiful soul. 1/19/74
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Another thing, I watched that game against Memphis in which he made 21 of 22 shots. None of them
were dunks, not allowed in those years. He had to have the skill and athleticism to make those shots, all touch shots, with creative post moves and the body under control. Yet he did this while guarded by Larry Kenon with quickness, and the aforementioned body control that I never saw from any big man, pro or college.