Bill Walton, UCLA and NBA Champion, Dies at 71
Hall of Famer Battled Cancer
Won 88 Straight Games at UCLA, Two NCAA Titles
Bill Walton, the legendary basketball center who won a record 88 straight games at UCLA and two NBA championships, died on Monday at the age of 71. The Hall of Famer had been battling cancer.
Walton was a dominant force in college basketball, leading the Bruins to two NCAA titles in 1972 and 1973. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player both years.
After college, Walton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He won two NBA titles with the Trail Blazers in 1977 and 1978. Walton was also a six-time NBA All-Star.
Walton's career was hampered by injuries, but he still managed to make a lasting impact on the game of basketball. He was a skilled passer and rebounder, and his defense was legendary.
Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He was also a member of the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Walton's death is a major loss for the basketball world. He was a true legend of the game, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.
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