Thanks Bill

Been thinking since yesterday when I read the news, how to start and compose this. 

Bill Walton passed away yesterday. 

As a teenager and into my adult years, I greatly admired how he played basketball. It was an incredible joy to watch. I can't help but wonder about the joy he felt from the actual playing. He sure tried to describe it .... to paint a picture of it, in his tv work.

I had never heard of him when he first appeared on my television screen, in the early 70's. It quickly became obvious that he was going to keep the UCLA dynasty going. It was the rebounding, outlet passes, shot blocking and passes to teammates within the offense that caught my attention. That he made shots occasionally was a bonus. I say "occasionally" because he was all about his teammates first.

I saw him introduce Jackson Browne in concert once. 

I almost (accidently) hit him and Maurice Lucas once with my car as they rode their bicycles down a busy street in my hometown. This was just three or four months after he led the Trail Blazers to their only championship. I maintain that it was his fault but who knows? ...... 😊

I used to emulate his jump shot during countless hours of shooting hoops in the driveway of my home during my teenage years.

I literally teared up once while reading his book and his words about recovering from a crippling back injury and his joy for life.

I was shocked to hear the news yesterday. It wasn't common knowledge that he was ill.

I spent the hours after work today, switching radio channels between a couple local sports talk shows, listening to tributes.

I'm still feeling shocked. 

Thank you Bill, for taking the joy of basketball to a different level through your play and your words.