Bear Down Wildcats

Thinks Wazzu should make the tournament.
Thinks the PAC commissioner is God.
Said Ballo looks like Shrek.

I did laugh when he asked if you had ever seen a duck fight a bear

RJ should've known what he was getting into lol.

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Mon Jun 05, 2023 10:01 pm RJ should've known what he was getting into lol.

Bill said, "You asked me how I was doing!"

He is featured on 30 for 30 (luckiest guy on earth) part 1 and 2 tonight on ESPN. Saw some early footage and it actually looked really good.

Looking forward to every single Bill Walton game this year. Can't wait to hear his thoughts on everything that went down. Kinda wish he could do some of our games in the Big 12, but only if they're some boring out of conference game like Colgate. That's when Bill is at his best.

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:57 pm Looking forward to every single Bill Walton game this year. Can't wait to hear his thoughts on everything that went down. Kinda wish he could do some of our games in the Big 12, but only if they're some boring out of conference game like Colgate. That's when Bill is at his best.

What AZ said!

Without the Conference of Champions is there still Bill!?

Bill might break down in tears reminiscing about the days when there were no truck stops, only champions.

You know he has a LOT to say.

The question is will he speak the truth and slam the idiots who caused the league’s demise.

Yeah, ya know this is all a bit of throwing the baby out with the bath water kind of thing.

Ya didn't have to blow up the conference just to get rid of Walton, he isn't going to live forever after all.

The worst part of leaving the Pac 12 is leaving Bill Walton. That hurts.

I have to admit Pac games with Walton this year will be a fascinating listen.

Walton still works for ESPN.

Walton will end up getting himself fired on a broadcast this year talking about The Pac

His mural downtown is gone, same artist changing it up

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? ... 0592835349

The move to the Big 12 is affecting our cityscape.

Fuck cancer!!!

RIP the Legend

We all had a feeling on this. With Bill’s health by good at the end of the season.

He was a great guy. Always friendly and personable. When I was working at the U. He came up and asked me a question about something. Great guy.

There is a link between inflammation and cancer. If anyone had more inflammation than Bill I don't know of them.

And in truth, many of us thought he was a malingerer, including his teammates, when he was in the NBA and have felt bad about that for years.

Oh man....

RIP to a legend

Crazy that he made it to the end of the PAC.
I blame Larry Scott.

We said goodbye to the PAC-12 and Bill in the same weekend.

Well, damn. I know a lot of folks tired of his schtick on TV, but there was never a doubt how much he loved college basketball, especially the Pac 12. Kind of quirky that he and the Conference of Champions died the same week. Condolences to Luke and the rest of the family.

The most entertaining part of staying up late to watch PAC 12 basketball while I lived on the East Coast was hearing what hilarious nonsense Bill Walton had to say during broadcasts with Dave Pach. RIP buddy - may you find that sweetgrass:

I know others weren't fans, but I loved Bill Walton calling games. Not only was he funny and entertaining, Bill knew and loved basketball. And was quite insightful with his color analysis.

May Bill rest in peace... and fuck cancer.

Bill was NOT going to change conferences.

RIP big man

RIP to a legend.

While his schtick with Dave got old, I always enjoyed him with other commentators as it was a good mix of entertainment and game. I'll never forget how he helped entertain all of us through boring blowout games. He was champion of a conference that let all of us down, and it's sadly fitting he goes out alongside it.

RIP Bill, and thank you for YOUR life.

And how better to remember Bill than to rewatch some classic moments:

Siempre Verde wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 10:41 am Well, damn. I know a lot of folks tired of his schtick on TV, but there was never a doubt how much he loved college basketball, especially the Pac 12. Kind of quirky that he and the Conference of Champions died the same week. Condolences to Luke and the rest of the family.

Sometimes it feels like more than quirk. Like, when something you REALLY love goes away, it can greatly effect you in a negative manner.

RIP to an absolute legend.

RIP big guy. We will miss you

RIP BILL WALTON - Hall of Famer, anti-Vietnam War Activist, consummate Dead Head, champion of The Conference of Champions, a boomer to make boomers proud!!!

And, remembered well beyond the world of sports!!

Watched him play growing up as a kid at Pauley. Great career both on and off the court, and nobody championed the Pac and especially Arizona any better than him.

But my biggest takeaway will always be what a positive attitude he had on just about everything. In a world filled with so much negativity, name-calling and cynicism Bill Walton was a breath of fresh air.

No!!!

I'm very sad to get this news. Bill's been a hugely positive, endlessly entertaining presence in Pac hoops (and in the basketball broadcasting landscape more generally) for decades, and he leaves behind a legacy virtually unequalled. He gave us so many laughs, so many good vibes and so much Pac love over the years. He was a wonderful, radiant soul, and he'll be sorely missed.

I hope we put this chair in a museum or something. Also, could a mod rename this thread to something a bit more appropriate?

AZCatGirl wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 12:05 pm Also, could a mod rename this thread to something a bit more appropriate?

Done

Don't it always seem to go,
you don't know what you got till it's gone .....

Special human being. My moment to relate was when UCLA came to McKale for the 1973-74 season NCAA tournament. I got session tickets right behind one basket, and even went to one of Wooden's practices. Then they played Dayton, which had three burly centers who took turns beating up on Walton right in front of me and spreading out the fouls. The game went to triple-overtime before UCLA prevailed. Not his best night, but he was really something. And as good as he was on the court, with multiple NCAA and NBA titles, he was kind and funny (and strange) off the court, and he contributed right up to the end of his life. Don't know how they'll figure out how to edit together all of the highlights for his memorial service.

AzCatFan2 wrote: ↑Mon May 27, 2024 10:52 am I know others weren't fans, but I loved Bill Walton calling games. Not only was he funny and entertaining, Bill knew and loved basketball. And was quite insightful with his color analysis.

May Bill rest in peace... and fuck cancer.

Loved him calling games. Entertaining, a little quirky but all in good fun.

May your spirit be free now and forever.

I can only imagine what amazing voice messages he left Sean.
Dusan shares his thoughts as well.

Wasn’t a fan of his when he did a game but man, I so miss him already. Seems like the cancer took him quickly which maybe was a blessing. Seems fitting that when the conference took its last breath, so did Bill

Much admiration for Bill Walton for some qualities not often mentioned as well as for those already posted.
For being a multi-year Academic All American and for being in the CoSIDA Hall of Fame (with our own Bob Elliott).
For his being a part of MENSA and never mentioning it.
For overcoming a very severe stuttering handicap to become one of the best speakers of all time.
We will miss you Mr. Walton.

I feel like he watched the last PAC-12 event (Bear Down BatCats), then decided he didn’t want to go on without the Conference of Champions and let the cancer take him. RIP!

Definitely had different political views than Wooden, but they made it work.

I also just want to acknowledge the obvious and enduring admiration Walton had for Arizona basketball, particularly Lute Olson. Luke's high school years coincided with some iconic Arizona teams, and our program's ascendancy coupled with his dad's respect for Lute probably went a long way in influencing his college decision.

Bill Walton was a HUGE friend of this program.