Bill Walton Dies at 71

[drlove]

I’d love to hear some of the stories Dave Pasch or Jason Benetti have about calling games with him. Keeping Bill on topic was impossible, but it was hilarious to listen to them try.

Bingo! i think it made me appreciate Dave and Jason's abilities.

Bill - "did your Dad play for Jerry Tarkanian?"
Bennetti - "My Dad was an air traffic controller"

 

[madguy30]

Bingo! i think it made me appreciate Dave and Jason's abilities.

Bill - "did your Dad play for Jerry Tarkanian?"
Bennetti - "My Dad was an air traffic controller"

I don't remember Jason's stuff that much but Dave Pasch was with him often on the Pac 12 games and played right into his rants perfectly.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

I’d love to hear some of the stories Dave Pasch or Jason Benetti have about calling games with him. Keeping Bill on topic was impossible, but it was hilarious to listen to them try.

 

[madguy30]

Just watching/listening now.

 

[Jimbo ISU]

I have a memory of Snapper Jones saying that Jeff Hornacek was the only shooting guard in the NBA that couldn't dunk a basketball. Bill's response "Jeff Hornacek can dunk, I've seen him dunking all over the place."

 

[CapnCy]

Had seats on the all-session side at the Maui Invitational last time so we walked behind the commentators going to and from our seats. Had a great conversation with Benetti and told Bill I hoped he could get to Hilton for a game. His response was "Walcott, IA home of the World's Largest Truck Stop". I will miss him calling basketball games

That's awesome. I have loved hearing all the stories/testimonials from his friends. I watched the 30 for 30 'Luckiest Guy in the world" and really enjoyed it (didn't know his full story) and really have enjoyed learning more about him. I always appreciate people who genuinely seem kind and are enjoying life (and making life for others better). I know even i was guilty of hearing a sound clip here and there of him from a bball call and thinking he was wonky, but now seeing the bigger picture see how it was so much more.

 

[t-noah]

Between his serious foot and back issues, that would have aged anyone prematurely and the cancer issue he's battled has been prolonged.

He was truly one of a kind both on and off the court and obviously as a TV analyst. He did win an Emmy back in 2001. He and Alcindor are the two most dominant CBB players I've seen and the '77 Blazers are one of my favorite NBA title teams. They were so much fun to watch when Bill was healthy.

I think what Bill went through, his many medical challenges, would be enough to age anyone, or even completely deplete a person, to the point of despair. And he was there, more than once.

The saying, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger", might have had Bill in mind. His many tribulations, and his ability to find peace from the frequent physical pain at many times, left him very thankful for what he had when he could see some light. He was truly a very unique, thoughtful, positive, caring person, made stronger by what he went through.

I'm sad to see him go. He was a bright light.

 

[t-noah]

Had seats on the all-session side at the Maui Invitational last time so we walked behind the commentators going to and from our seats. Had a great conversation with Benetti and told Bill I hoped he could get to Hilton for a game. His response was "Walcott, IA home of the World's Largest Truck Stop". I will miss him calling basketball games

I was wondering when it was he did a couple of our games this year. I remember when we were all talking about him, whether or not we liked him, at that time.

 

[t-noah]

That's awesome. I have loved hearing all the stories/testimonials from his friends. I watched the 30 for 30 'Luckiest Guy in the world" and really enjoyed it (didn't know his full story) and really have enjoyed learning more about him. I always appreciate people who genuinely seem kind and are enjoying life (and making life for others better). I know even i was guilty of hearing a sound clip here and there of him from a bball call and thinking he was wonky, but now seeing the bigger picture see how it was so much more.

So many good ones. This one was especially good.

 

[madguy30]

That's awesome. I have loved hearing all the stories/testimonials from his friends. I watched the 30 for 30 'Luckiest Guy in the world" and really enjoyed it (didn't know his full story) and really have enjoyed learning more about him. I always appreciate people who genuinely seem kind and are enjoying life (and making life for others better). I know even i was guilty of hearing a sound clip here and there of him from a bball call and thinking he was wonky, but now seeing the bigger picture see how it was so much more.

I've been reading a few things today and watching some videos and I'm actually truly sad about this.

 

[CycloneRulzzz]

Great stuff especially what Shaq said.

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

I was 11 years old when the Blazers won the championship and have loved Bill Walton since. I saw him one time at a Dylan concert in Phoenix towering over the crowd and having a great time. RIP.

Saw him in St Louis at one of the last GD shows before Jerry’s death. Crazy to think he was only 42 at the time since I’m now long past that age.

 

[Cycsk]

Great stuff especially what Shaq said.

Really appreciate you sharing these clips. The last couple have been magnificent.

 

[t-noah]

The mark of a really impactful person may be how much we miss him (her). I've seen a bunch of clips on Bill now, so much to say about him and remember.

Here's one that's a little different, with Caliendo. I'm wondering if this one was this past year? Colo and AZ, two new Big 12 members now.

Edit: Based on the guys playing, not playing, and being talked about, pretty sure this clip was this past season, this year.

 

[JP4CY]

 

[t-noah]

I wanted to hear a little more from Jason Benetti, regarding Bill after this,


I wanted more, and all I got was throw down pottery and cooking! It's a sad day.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Throw+it+Down+Episodes