Bill Walton

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 And, as anyone who watched the game knows, especially when he was playing with the straight man Dave Pasch, Walton was possibly from an alternate universe, or at least another planet.

I will admit that it took a little time to appreciate the game he was playing. He was an acquired taste. Eventually, I succumbed to his childlike charm and enthusiasm. I cherished it.

What a captivating guy. What an incredible basketball player. Undoubtedly, he was one of the greatest collegiate hoopsters of all time, arguably at the top of the list. 

He is credited with hitting 21 out of 22 shots in the NCAA title game against Memphis State. Which is true, but it doesn’t tell the full stat line. He dunked four out of four, which were excused due to the silly Alcindor rule in place at that time that prohibited dunks. Hook. Spin. Lay down. Certainly, 6-8 Ronnie Robinson was no match. But, in a title game, 25/26 against Red Klotz would be impressive.

On Monday night on PTI, while paying tribute to the now-late Bill Walton, Michael Wilbon said, "Everybody has a story." I can confirm that. Still recovering from a serious injury after being hit by a car while jogging in '91, I eventually made it to Freedom Hall for some Cardinal hoops. On crutches. 

I was struggling to get down the steps to my seat. When Bill Walton, who was calling the game on TV, walked down the aisle. He stopped and asked what had happened and how I was doing. 

Walton knew about the surgery. It was reported he had 39. Foot problems. Feet problems. The back broke. He knew pain - it was said until the end - and his nature was such that he wanted to offer words of encouragement. Which he did. It wasn't cursory. 

He conversed with me for several minutes before moving on. Everybody has a story. I can confirm that. From every comment in the hours since the news broke, it is clear that Bill Walton was an extremely decent person. 

Caring. Interesting. Curious. Intelligent. Always asking others how they were doing? And, as anyone who watched the game knows, especially when he was playing with the straight man Dave Pasch, Walton was possibly from an alternate universe, or at least another planet.

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