I use to get a kick out of Bill Walton during his broadcasts when he would start telling Ken Kesey stories. Growing up in Oregon during the 70’s we all knew who Ken Kesey was and his accomplishments. But, I always wondered if the younger audience had a clue as to who Bill was talking about.😊 Miss ya Big Red!!!
The more I listened to Mr Walton during a basketball game the more I became a fan. For those who disliked him I would suggest you read his book as it helps one understand him better!
Yes, the book is excellent. For another in-depth perspective, watch the Netflix documentary on Walton. It is truly revealing about his personality and struggles.
Hey John… I read you every day and thoroughly enjoy your perspective. I have 3 daughters as well (and 3 sons)..the best part of my life certainly.
Loved your interview with Dave Pasch.. great variety of questions and depth. Thank you.
I had a chance to see Bill Walton play in college when I was stationed (Navy pilot) in Southern California. Best college player that I ever saw. Tremendous memory to think back.
I had a chance to meet Bill at the Portland airport… he and I were coming and going. I said hello, introduced myself, shook hands. He was ever so gracious and sincere. And really tall!! Gosh…
I’ll look for Pasch even more now and always think of Bill…
College basketball sucks these days, with too many timeouts, too much transferring, final minutes that take hours to play, too many foul shots, too many replays, officials calling touch fouls on any drive to the basket.
Walton at least made it entertaining, listening to him was often better than watching the game. And he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, even if his opinion might be unpopular.
I was ho-hum as to being an on-air Bill Walton fan, but I understand those that were. My late father was fond of saying..."it takes all of us to make the world go around". That fits Bill Walton. He entertained on the basket ball court and the airways. He made the world better; we all should be that lucky.
I loved Bill Walton as a player, both in college and as a pro. When he first started as a "color" (no one had more) commentator I was not a fan. He grew on me pretty quickly. It took one game in person watching him at a Duck game. He was animated and loving every minute of what he was doing. However, it was half time that made me question myself. He tried to get across the court and was mobbed by kids, my guess was mostly ages 6 to 13. He shook hands, patted heads, and took the time to speak personally to everyone. Nothing on the broadcast was schtick. He was completely genuine and I thought a conversation with him would be a life's highlight. Listening to him was as close as I was going to get.
I was a huge fan of his. Loved him, admired him and respected him in so many ways. But…I couldn’t take the broadcast with him. I would watch with the volume off. Felt disrespectful but it was too much for me. Thank you for this interview. I always wondered how Dave felt.
BW is right up there w/ Mike Leach--like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get (in an interview, etc.). Mike's outtake on getting married was over the top funny. I remember watching that post-game interview live and could not stop laughing for two reasons--his delivery was epic as well as the content. All with a straight face. Both are missed :(
A true human being, one of the best. That 77-78 season in Portland was epic - Blazers are RED HOT & Rolling behind the big red head - RIP CITY - Twardzik on the dribble drive, off to Lucas on his left, here comes the red head, its a pick and roll, Walton stops, pops...it drops...Classic Shaunz!
Have you ever visited a volcano? Why yes Bill, I watched Mt. St. Helens blow its top on May 18, 1980 from my roof top in Vancouver, a mere 35 miles away, was one of the epic wonder days of my life, the true power of mother nature. Bill loved the Pacific Northwest, miss him along with Mike Leach, two really authentic and true human beings.
re: Bill on-air; “You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him”
I would watch a game I didn’t care about just to see what he was gonna do next.
Yes, not stopping Walton was sometimes the best thing. He’d go down memory lane and we were all passengers.
Bill was non-stop. I think that’s what was his charm. Beloved by all. Or should have been. Missed by all.
I use to get a kick out of Bill Walton during his broadcasts when he would start telling Ken Kesey stories. Growing up in Oregon during the 70’s we all knew who Ken Kesey was and his accomplishments. But, I always wondered if the younger audience had a clue as to who Bill was talking about.😊 Miss ya Big Red!!!
The more I listened to Mr Walton during a basketball game the more I became a fan. For those who disliked him I would suggest you read his book as it helps one understand him better!
Yes, the book is excellent. For another in-depth perspective, watch the Netflix documentary on Walton. It is truly revealing about his personality and struggles.
Hey John… I read you every day and thoroughly enjoy your perspective. I have 3 daughters as well (and 3 sons)..the best part of my life certainly.
Loved your interview with Dave Pasch.. great variety of questions and depth. Thank you.
I had a chance to see Bill Walton play in college when I was stationed (Navy pilot) in Southern California. Best college player that I ever saw. Tremendous memory to think back.
I had a chance to meet Bill at the Portland airport… he and I were coming and going. I said hello, introduced myself, shook hands. He was ever so gracious and sincere. And really tall!! Gosh…
I’ll look for Pasch even more now and always think of Bill…
Best Regards
I met him once on a bike ride. He stopped and offered to help me repair a flat. He was a great BB player and a better human being!!
Pullman is the "Rome of the Palouse ! "
Also loved the Grateful Dead / Jerry Garcia references.
Does that make Colfax "the Athens of the Palouse?"
Absolutely one of the best all time sports announcing duos! Duck fans are certainly thankful Bill loved Eugene!
College basketball sucks these days, with too many timeouts, too much transferring, final minutes that take hours to play, too many foul shots, too many replays, officials calling touch fouls on any drive to the basket.
Walton at least made it entertaining, listening to him was often better than watching the game. And he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, even if his opinion might be unpopular.
I only wish BW had his Blazer jersey in the HOF. He was always a Blazer.
Love/hate relationship with his broadcasting style. But a character he was and I’ll always be thankful he was a Trailblazer. 😊
I was ho-hum as to being an on-air Bill Walton fan, but I understand those that were. My late father was fond of saying..."it takes all of us to make the world go around". That fits Bill Walton. He entertained on the basket ball court and the airways. He made the world better; we all should be that lucky.
Dan Gordon
I loved Bill Walton as a player, both in college and as a pro. When he first started as a "color" (no one had more) commentator I was not a fan. He grew on me pretty quickly. It took one game in person watching him at a Duck game. He was animated and loving every minute of what he was doing. However, it was half time that made me question myself. He tried to get across the court and was mobbed by kids, my guess was mostly ages 6 to 13. He shook hands, patted heads, and took the time to speak personally to everyone. Nothing on the broadcast was schtick. He was completely genuine and I thought a conversation with him would be a life's highlight. Listening to him was as close as I was going to get.
I was a huge fan of his. Loved him, admired him and respected him in so many ways. But…I couldn’t take the broadcast with him. I would watch with the volume off. Felt disrespectful but it was too much for me. Thank you for this interview. I always wondered how Dave felt.
BW is right up there w/ Mike Leach--like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get (in an interview, etc.). Mike's outtake on getting married was over the top funny. I remember watching that post-game interview live and could not stop laughing for two reasons--his delivery was epic as well as the content. All with a straight face. Both are missed :(
A true human being, one of the best. That 77-78 season in Portland was epic - Blazers are RED HOT & Rolling behind the big red head - RIP CITY - Twardzik on the dribble drive, off to Lucas on his left, here comes the red head, its a pick and roll, Walton stops, pops...it drops...Classic Shaunz!
Have you ever visited a volcano? Why yes Bill, I watched Mt. St. Helens blow its top on May 18, 1980 from my roof top in Vancouver, a mere 35 miles away, was one of the epic wonder days of my life, the true power of mother nature. Bill loved the Pacific Northwest, miss him along with Mike Leach, two really authentic and true human beings.
i just wrote about Mike and here you are! well done :)
Didn’t get much more authentic than Bill Walton. Miss him.