Sadly, another sports legend has been silenced by cancer. Bill Walton, the iconic and at times iconoclastic basketball wizard, and one of San Diego’s most beloved sons, was larger than life, literally. He was 71 and fought a brave battle with prostate cancer.
Part hippie, part family man, part intellectual, and certainly a free spirit, Walton had deep passion for life and his accomplishments in college basketball and the NBA, despite multiple injuries that hampered his career, are legendary.
It all started at Helix High School in La Mesa, Ca., a suburb of San Diego, where he led his team to two state championships. He then became a two-time national champion at UCLA, where he was a three-time national player of the year under legendary coach John Wooden.
As tremendous as Bill’s injury-plagued but remarkable professional basketball contribution was, there are certain players who will always be identified even more for their college athletic careers. Bill’s love affair with UCLA and college hoops never waned. He loved broadcasting college basketball and did it for more than 30 years.
I was honored to know Bill for many years. I interviewed him several times and even enjoyed an interview with his mom, Gloria Walton, who was just as interesting and fun to talk to as Bill. He enjoyed talking to people and was always approachable. When he showed up like clockwork at Humphrey’s by the Bay, the scenic waterfront music concert venue each year with his giant customized seat, everyone would say hi to Bill.
Walton was a stutterer when he was young. He was of course able to overcome it. A vegetarian and meditation practitioner, Bill reportedly endured a tough battle with prostate cancer. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
Most experts recommend getting a prostate exam every three to five years. There is no standard screening test for prostate cancer, but there are several tests that can be used to screen for it. These include:
Digital rectal exam (DRE) – A doctor or nurse inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps or anything else that seems unusual.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – A blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in increased amounts in the blood of men who have prostate cancer.
However, high PSA levels are not specific to prostate cancer and can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some medications, such as statins, thiazide diuretics, NSAIDs, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, can also lower PSA levels.
It’s not clear from studies if benefits of screening outweigh the risks. Doctors are still studying if screening will lower the risk of death from prostate cancer. The results from two large studies have been conflicting, and they have not offered clear answers.
Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Director of Athletics, said in a press statement, “We are stunned and saddened about the news of Bill Walton’s passing. He represented so many of the ideals that our university holds dear and embodied multiple traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. He loved being back on campus at UCLA, calling games in Pauley Pavilion, and being around our teams. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, and we take solace in knowing that Bill made each day his masterpiece.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement on Walton’s passing:
“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 broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life.”
“He was a regular presence at league events — always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy, and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”
NBA spokesperson Mark Broussard said that Bill’s family was with him when he passed.
Walton is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lori; his four sons, Adam, Nathan, Luke and Chris; and his three grandchildren, Olivia, Avery Rose and Chase.
He will be missed.
