Big UCLA, Bill Walton News Revealed on Tuesday

Bill Walton, who passed away on May 27, 2024, was a legendary figure in basketball. A 1974 graduate of UCLA, Walton was the No. 1 overall pick in that year’s NBA Draft. 

He went on to play in the NBA until 1988, becoming one of the most accomplished big men in basketball history.

Walton won two NCAA championships and two NBA titles. He was named the NCAA Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player twice, earned three National College Player of the Year awards, and captured both an NBA MVP and Finals MVP. 

His dominance on the court and his colorful personality off it made him a beloved figure in the sport.

This game against Arizona is fitting for several reasons. 

Walton spent time later in his career as a broadcaster for Arizona games, and his son, Luke Walton, played under legendary coach Lute Olson in Tucson during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The connection between the programs runs deep.

Walton’s wife, Lori, reflected on the significance of the matchup in a statement from the Basketball Hall of Fame:

“The matchup featuring UCLA and the University of Arizona is the perfect way to celebrate Bill’s life and his unwavering passion for basketball,” Walton’s wife, Lori, said in a Basketball Hall of Fame statement. 

“UCLA played a pivotal role in bringing Bill into the national spotlight, paving the way for his continued success both on and off the court."

The game will take place at the newly-built Clippers home, Intuit Dome. He played and worked for the Clippers during his career and took great pride in the franchise’s growth.

“Bill was incredibly proud of the Clippers’ remarkable journey since his time with the team as a player, as well as their broadcaster, and eagerly anticipated the creation of the Intuit Dome,” Lori Walton added. 

“The Hall of Fame Rivalry Game truly represents the perfect trifecta for Bill, UCLA, the University of Arizona, and the Intuit Dome.”

This matchup is part of a three-year agreement between UCLA and Arizona, made during their final season together in the Pac-12. Last season, in a non-conference meeting, UCLA edged out Arizona 57-54. 

In the 2026-27 campaign, the two teams will also face off in Las Vegas for another highly anticipated showdown.