San Diego will stage the first Bill Walton Classic on Nov. 7 at Pechanga Arena, presenting a college basketball doubleheader designed to honor the late Hall of Famer and local legend.
The evening opens with a women’s matchup between UC San Diego and the University of San Diego. A men’s game featuring San Diego State University will follow; SDSU’s opponent has not yet been announced.
Organizers say the event is meant to celebrate Walton’s life and his impact on the sport while uniting the community in the energetic style the broadcaster and former NBA star was known for.
Walton, a UCLA standout who captured NBA championships with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and the Boston Celtics in 1986, died in 2024 at age 71 after a battle with cancer. Beyond his playing career, he became an Emmy-winning commentator recognized for his enthusiastic, unconventional game calls.
San Diego has recently commemorated Walton by naming a street near his alma mater, Helix High School, in his honor. Tickets for the Nov. 7 doubleheader go on sale Friday.
Source: Hoops Wire
