Early Life and Education of Bill Walton: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Walton. From birth to education, explore key events.

Bill Walton was a celebrated American basketball player and sportscaster. He achieved collegiate success with the UCLA Bruins, followed by a professional career in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics. His accomplishments led to his induction into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in basketball.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 5, 1952: Bill Walton's birth

On November 5, 1952, William Theodore Walton III, later known as Bill Walton, was born. He went on to become an American basketball player and television sportscaster.

Others born on this day/year

1967: Starts Attending Grateful Dead Concerts

In 1967, Bill Walton started attending Grateful Dead concerts while still in high school.

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1967: Rockets come to town

In 1967, while Walton was in high school, the NBA expansion San Diego Rockets came to town and would often play pick-up games at Helix High School, using Walton's gym key to access the facilities.

1970: Negative Coaching Experience at World Championship

In 1970, Bill Walton had a negative experience at the FIBA World Championship, which exposed him to negative coaching and berating of players.

1970: Walton featured in Sports Illustrated

In 1970, Bill Walton was featured in the "Faces in the Crowd" section of the January 26 issue of Sports Illustrated, marking his first national media recognition.

1970: Walton Plays in FIBA World Championship

In the summer of 1970, Bill Walton, at age 17, represented the U.S. national basketball team at the 1970 FIBA World Championship. The team finished fifth, and Walton played minimally in five games.

1972: Walton Declines to Participate in Olympics

In 1972, Bill Walton was selected to the U.S. Olympic basketball team but declined to participate, potentially due to his opposition to the Vietnam War or his negative experience at the 1970 World Championships.

1972: U.S. Loses to Soviet Union in Controversial Olympic Final

In 1972, the United States controversially lost to the Soviet Union in the men's basketball final at the Olympics. Some believe that Bill Walton's absence from the team contributed to the loss.

1973: Bruce Walton Joins Dallas Cowboys

In 1973, Bill Walton's brother, Bruce Walton, joined the National Football League with the Dallas Cowboys.

1975: Bruce Walton Plays in Super Bowl X

In 1975, Bill Walton's brother, Bruce Walton, played in Super Bowl X, making Bill and Bruce the only brothers to play in both the Super Bowl and NBA Finals.

1977: Foot Injury with the Trailblazers

In 1977, Bill Walton suffered a foot injury while playing for the Trailblazers, which later led to a lawsuit against the team doctor for negligence in diagnosing and treating it.

1978: Travels to Egypt with Grateful Dead

In 1978, Bill Walton traveled with the Grateful Dead to Egypt for their performances at the Giza pyramid complex.

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1979: Marriage to Susie

In 1979, Bill Walton married his first wife, Susie, whom he met while attending UCLA.

1981: Walton Undergoes Foot Surgery

In 1981, Bill Walton underwent surgery to restructure his left foot. His high arch, which made the foot bones susceptible to breaking, was lowered to relieve the stress on the bones.

1981: Attends Stanford Law School

In the fall of 1981, Bill Walton attended Stanford Law School while playing for the Clippers, though he did not graduate.

1982: Walton's Foot Improves Following Rehab

In 1982, following extensive rehabilitation, which included biking and sand volleyball, Bill Walton's foot began to improve after a prolonged period of injuries.

1985: Walton Receives Standing Ovation in Boston Garden

In 1985, Bill Walton received a one-minute standing ovation from the Boston home crowd when he walked onto the court for his first exhibition game in a Celtics uniform in the Boston Garden.

1989: Divorce from Susie

In 1989, Bill Walton and his first wife, Susie, divorced.

1991: Marriage to Lori Matsuoka

In 1991, Bill Walton married his second wife, Lori Matsuoka.

2004: Walton Explains Decision to Decline Olympics

In a 2004 interview with ESPN, Bill Walton stated the reason he declined to participate in the 1972 Olympics was due to a negative coaching experience he had at the 1970 World Championships.

2009: Walton Returns to Portland, Apologizes for Past

In 2009, Bill Walton returned to Portland and publicly apologized for his past mistakes and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the Trail Blazers.

2009: Spinal Fusion Surgery

In 2009, Bill Walton underwent an eight-hour spinal-fusion surgery, requiring titanium rods and bolts in his back, leaving him unable to move freely for a year.

2009: Luke Walton Wins NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2009, Bill Walton's son, Luke Walton, won the NBA Finals with the Lakers.

2009: Walton undergoes back surgery

In 2009, Walton underwent corrective surgery for a back injury sustained in 1974.

June 8, 2010: Admission of Suicidal Thoughts

In a June 8, 2010, interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Bill Walton admitted to contemplating suicide due to chronic pain from NBA injuries.

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2010: Luke Walton Wins Another NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2010, Bill Walton's son, Luke Walton, won another NBA Finals with the Lakers, making them the first father-son pair to have both won multiple NBA championships.

2015: Visit to Ken Kesey Collection

In 2015, Bill Walton visited the Ken Kesey Collection at the University of Oregon and wrote the foreword to the book "Unconditional Honor: Wounded Warriors and their Dogs" by Cathy Scott.

March 2016: Publication of Memoir

In March 2016, Bill Walton's memoir, "Back from the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light and Throwing It Down", was released by Simon & Schuster.

April 2016: Memoir on Bestseller List

In April 2016, Bill Walton's memoir, "Back from the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light and Throwing It Down", remained on The New York Times bestseller list for two weeks.

2016: Luke Walton Becomes Head Coach of the Lakers

In 2016, Bill Walton's son, Luke Walton, became the head coach of the Lakers after serving as an assistant for the Golden State Warriors.

January 2019: Mention of Ghostbusters Appearance During Broadcast

During a Washington–Oregon game broadcast in January 2019 with Dave Pasch, Bill Walton mentioned his appearance in the movie Ghostbusters.

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April 2019: Luke Walton Named Head Coach of Sacramento Kings

In April 2019, Bill Walton's son, Luke Walton, was named head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

May 27, 2024: Bill Walton's death

On May 27, 2024, Bill Walton passed away. He was an American basketball player and television sportscaster. He played collegiately for the UCLA Bruins and professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA).