Walton, Bill

Walton, (William Theodore) Bill (1952–  ) basketball player; born in LaMesa, Calif. As a 6'11" center, he was a three-time college player of the year (1972–74) for the University of California: Los Angeles, where he led the Bruins to two undefeated seasons and two National Collegiate Athletic Association championships (1972–73). In a National Basketball Association career beset by injuries, he led the Portland Trail Blazers to a title in 1977 and was the Most Valuable Player in 1978. He had a brief second career with the Boston Celtics. After retiring from basketball, he became a television color commentator.