Walton, Bill (1952– )

US basketball player. As a 6 ft 11 in centre, 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 (NBA) 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 commentator. Walton was born in LaMesa, California.