The Personal Collection of Bill Walton at Public Auction

The Personal Collection of Bill Walton

From the very beginning of his athletic career at Helix High School Bill Walton stood out, quite literally. His unique combination of height and nuanced athleticism proved to be a lethal combination against his opponents. During his two varsity seasons in high school Bill led the team to a 49 consecutive victories and CIF state championships in 1969 and 1970. Walton's exceptional play drew the attention of UCLA assistant coach Denny Crum who upon watching him play as a junior went back to coach John Wooden and proclaimed him as the best collegiate player he had ever seen. Bill Walton committed to UCLA and began what many consider to be the greatest career in the history of NCAA basketball. Between 1971-74 Walton won two NCAA Championships, Three NCAA Player of the Year Awards (record tying), Two NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player Awards, Three time Consensus First Team All-American, and established a record setting 88 consecutive game win streak with UCLA which remarkably still stands today. Bill's success continued into the NBA leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a stunning NBA Championship in 1977. Although injuries hampered several of his NBA seasons, Bill endured to join the Boston Celtics in 1986 winning Sixth Man of the Year award in their NBA Championship season to which he was considered a key component on one of the greatest teams in the history of the league. Equally impressive was Bill Walton's life off the court. Bill was a beloved broadcaster for both college and professional basketball games with a unique style that endeared him to a new generation of fans. Bill Walton was also not only a fervent student of the musical arts but undoubtedly ranks as the greatest fan in the history of the Grateful Dead. One portion of our auction business we are always interested to experience is learning more about the philanthropy embraced by each particular player and/or their family which we have worked with. In the case of Bill Walton and his family it is not only impressive but truly remarkable. Countless foundations, projects, charitable institutions, and simple causes all benefited from Bill's relentless pursuit to help others with the good fortune he had experienced. Accordingly, we are very pleased to note that a portion of the auction proceeds will benefit causes at the University of California San Diego. A sincere thank you to Lori Walton and the entire Walton family for their trust and support to enable us to present this important collection. Hunt Auctions is honored to present Bill Walton's Personal Collection with a significance and variety of materials fittingly unique to a man with an enduring legacy of excellence and kindness.