Southern California NBA Great Bill Walton Dead at 71

Bill Walton, a UCLA icon and NBA Hall of Famer, died today at the age of 71 after a “prolonged battle with cancer” according to a news release from the NBA.

Originally from La Mesa, Walton first came to prominence during his time at UCLA where he helped lead the Bruins in back to back NCAA championships during the 1972 and ‘73 seasons. In a statement from the UCLA Men's Basketball Program, Head coach Mike Cronin said, "his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality. . . It's hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him."

Walton went on to play professionally for teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, the Boston Celtics, and briefly the LA Clippers. He led the Celtics and Trail Blazers through their own respective NBA Championships. After his time playing professionally Walton became best known as a color commentator for the NBA as well as college basketball.

This morning hundreds of basketball fans took to social media to share their fond memories of Bill Walton. Here are a few:

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Walton grew up in San Diego, but began his storied Basketball career in Los Angeles playing for UCLA beginning in 1970, leading the Bruins to two championships in 1972 and 1973.

He played for the San Diego Clippers beginning in 1979, which later became the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985 during his final year with the team.

Walton was a lifelong fan of the the Grateful Dead, a self-proclaimed "Dead Head." He was well known for invoking his favorite band into his coverage whenever he got the chance.

Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner said that Walton "redefined the center position." Walton was also plagued with numerous injuries during his 14 years in the NBA, missing more games than he actually played due to various surgeries, broken bones, ankle and foot problems.

Some basketball fans only ever knew Bill Walton for the energetic and singular sports commentator that he was in the later part of his life. For these younger fans, Walton's passion for the sport was clear. Walton was a staunch advocate of what was the PAC-12 College conference referring to it often as the "Conference of Champions."

Basketball fans everywhere will miss his presence and personality on and off the court.

Walton is survived by his wife of 33 years, Lori and his four sons, Adam, Nathan, Chris and former Laker Luke.