There are only a few, like Bill Walton, whose name is seen as synonymous with several terms in the sporting community. Depending on what you follow specifically or when you started to enjoy watching competitive athletics, it means something different for you. For some, he is the voice of the Pac-12; for others, he is ingrained as part of the UCLA Bruins; and for others, the Portland Trail Blazers.
More appropriately, his life is more complicated than that, but the fact remains that he has been a large part of people's lives throughout the years. Regardless, as a player, commentator, and everyday citizen, he gave it his all and was a positive force throughout every walk of his life. Everyone, even self-proclaimed casual sports fans, knows who he is and what he represents.
Even for East Coast fans, a game that someone may otherwise not have wanted to tune into was a must-watch. Years after retiring from the game himself, the yoga and mindfulness sage graced television broadcasts to offer his insights on really anything that came to his mind in the moment. For some, it was too much, and they wanted someone to just focus on the game.
Some unfairly claimed that his advanced age was taking away from the viewing experience. And some speculated even further. These people were losing out. He always offered lessons and analogies during the game. Few had the skill or words to share the knowledge quite like he was able to. With retirement far from his mind, it was more important to him to continue to educate others.
Whether it was comparing Bridges to players of the same name or speaking of stories from his past college experiences, he offered an unfiltered and surely unique insight into the game for others to enjoy. Being upset at him for not always staying on topic should now especially be seen as a missed opportunity. It's rare to be able to listen to someone who knows so much and who's willing to just share their experience.
Bill Walton and the Pac-12
As mentioned, his latest contributions focused on college basketball in the West Coast time zone. The demise of the once-powerful basketball conference seems to have added sadness for Walton when discussing the "Conference of Champions." But for a moment, it's important to overlook realignment and all of the changes going on in the world of college athletics.
Even in his silliness and over-the-top moments, he respected the game and what the Pac-12 had brought, not just for him but for everyone involved. For those who are unable to look through the occasional metaphoric cloud, cast by a true magician of words, there wasn't a better supporter or advocate for what was once the class of college hoops.
Until his last broadcast, the UCLA great let it be known how proud he was of the collection of talent and everyone who contributed to allowing elite levels of basketball to be played year after year. The Pac-12 college basketball and college sports community as a whole has truly lost someone special with the passing of Bill Walton.
About the Author
Gabriel keeps his curiosity on the pulse of the sports world. Agree or disagree you can reach out to him on Twitter/X @BigTenGabriel, or send an email (gstesparza@gmail.com). He will respond! He's a fan of sports and competition in all forms. His past work includes content on various sites covering college football, college basketball, UFC, boxing, soccer, MLB, and the NFL.